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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rationale
The president addressed this firing with members of his Cabinet, and made his rationale known in letters and telegrams to key leaders in Congress.
—
William H. McRaven,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2026
Trump previously made limiting Iran’s missile program a rationale for US military operations, but his stance shifted during negotiations.
—
Kathleen Magramo,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
The result is a system in which some districts can spend tens of thousands of dollars more per student than others, with no strategic rationale to explain why a student in one community receives far more support than a student in another.
—
Dr. Gisele C. Shorter,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2026
In late April, Hegseth appeared before the Armed Services Committee for a budget hearing that stretched nearly six hours and devolved at times into a debate over the war with Iran, its rationale, and its likely endgame.
—
Nik Popli,
Time,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationale
William H. McRaven,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2026
Trump previously made limiting Iran’s missile program a rationale for US military operations, but his stance shifted during negotiations.
—
Kathleen Magramo,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
The result is a system in which some districts can spend tens of thousands of dollars more per student than others, with no strategic rationale to explain why a student in one community receives far more support than a student in another.
—
Dr. Gisele C. Shorter,
Hartford Courant,
19 June 2026
In late April, Hegseth appeared before the Armed Services Committee for a budget hearing that stretched nearly six hours and devolved at times into a debate over the war with Iran, its rationale, and its likely endgame.
—
Nik Popli,
Time,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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Espeland offers a technical explanation.
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Another expert — the state archaeologist — also will study the hole, likely this week, even as some remain skeptical of the sinkhole explanation.
Noun
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There are good reasons to do so again, though as contenders acquiring young talent is not a necessity for the Pacers.
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However, Gen Zers also cited reasons for not finding such meaning.
Noun
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The witness heard the argument and saw O’Neal punch the woman in the face, according to court documents.
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Marlene Zuk, an evolutionary biologist and the author of a 2013 book that debunked some of Voegtlin’s arguments, recalled how the Paleo community dealt with this evidence that challenged their largely carb-avoidant worldview.
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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