as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act
the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep
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Recent Examples of rationale
The lawsuit also challenges the FCC’s rationale for waiving of the duopoly rule, which prohibirs one company from owning more than two stations in the same market.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
Miller explained his rationale for the last-minute substitution despite Heide’s long stay on the bench.
—Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 22 Mar. 2026
The White House's rationale White House officials first claimed the funds were held up pending review of the MTA's minority- and women-owned business contracts.
—Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
In both cases, the justices did not elaborate on their rationale for allowing TPS to be revoked in the interim.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
Miller explained his rationale for the last-minute substitution despite Heide’s long stay on the bench.
—Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 22 Mar. 2026
The White House's rationale White House officials first claimed the funds were held up pending review of the MTA's minority- and women-owned business contracts.
—Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
In both cases, the justices did not elaborate on their rationale for allowing TPS to be revoked in the interim.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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Willick was not convinced by this explanation, noting that many graphic and upsetting stories had been shared from the bimah in the past two and a half years—stories about violence perpetrated by Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Braves manager Walt Weiss came out of the home dugout for an explanation.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lamar said even she was stopped by a sheriff's deputy for no apparent reason, driving a Mercedes Benz with her child in the backseat.—
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
25 Mar. 2026
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The app also encourages users to write a message to the host during the reservation process about the reason for renting.—
Mary Ramsey
March 25,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Morales said two officers were flagged down by a bystander reporting a heated argument.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the challenge in the middle of oral arguments, even while ruling against the civil rights of Japanese American citizens in other cases considered at the same time.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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