reason 1 of 2

Definition of reasonnext
1
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in motive
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing a firm belief that we are here on earth to help others is the reason for her tireless volunteer work

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reason

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verb

1
as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information she reasoned that since all of the cakes were on sale for the same price, she might as well pick the biggest one

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word reason different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reason are cogitate, deliberate, reflect, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When is it sensible to use cogitate instead of reason?

The meanings of cogitate and reason largely overlap; however, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to reason?

The synonyms deliberate and reason are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

When is reflect a more appropriate choice than reason?

The words reflect and reason can be used in similar contexts, but reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

When can speculate be used instead of reason?

The words speculate and reason are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When would think be a good substitute for reason?

Although the words think and reason have much in common, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reason
Noun
That quiet recovery is a big reason the procedure has moved from a private secret to something people openly mention. Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 This daytime moisturizer is a beauty-insider darling for a reason, balancing the skin’s hydration levels, blending seamlessly with SPFs, and even boosting moisture retention via willow bark extract. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
Verb
How the Fed reasons its way to agreements is as important as the agreements. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026 The wrangler reasoned no horse could land on a pile of rocks without breaking a leg. Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
  • Espeland offers a technical explanation.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Another expert — the state archaeologist — also will study the hole, likely this week, even as some remain skeptical of the sinkhole explanation.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Authorities have not announced a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
  • Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the episode are under investigation.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • And with the Fourth of July around the corner, there has never been a better excuse to add one to your rotation.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 25 June 2026
  • Then turn in the most benign of public records requests — access to a calendar, for example — and prepare for weeks of delays and excuses.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • While the Cottonwood Fire's cause was unknown, Cox's order noted that humans have been the cause of most fires in the state so far this year.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • The official cause and manner of death will be released by the Clark County Coroner’s Office, police said.
    Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • None of it was charity in the ordinary sense.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Swift's history of Fourth of July parties Perhaps another clue why the week of the Fourth of July makes sense for Swift and Kelce's wedding is that the popstar has long been known for throwing elaborate parties over the American holiday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps with that base-mobilization strategy in mind, the Republican National Committee is planning to hold a first-ever midterm convention this summer.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Eucerin’s Clear Skin Sunscreen is formulated with oily, acne-prone skin in mind.
    Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Companies serious about their workforce strategy are running structured assessments across decision-making, analytical reasoning and collaboration to find where capability gaps exist.
    Kevin Chan, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Sol also introduces a new maximum reasoning mode that gives the model more time to solve complex tasks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • These reports present your income and spending habits with clean, easy-to-understand visualizations.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Raised in Rio de Janeiro, Burle Marx understood the country’s abundance as both subject and material.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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