as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of
rationalized his decision to buy the new car by noting that it was more fuel efficient than his old vehicle
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Recent Examples of rationalize
How do the Tigers rationalize their filing number?
—
Jim Bowden, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
One pattern rationalizes exploitation and disguises harm as the price of progress.
—Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Democrats and Republicans seek to punish misdeeds by the other side but rationalize them for their own.
—Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives.
—Rachel Scott, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Jim Bowden, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
One pattern rationalizes exploitation and disguises harm as the price of progress.
—Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Democrats and Republicans seek to punish misdeeds by the other side but rationalize them for their own.
—Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Freedom and rule of law were defended last night, but dictators will try to exploit this to rationalize their selfish objectives.
—Rachel Scott, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize
Verb
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As Francisco explained, the Spring Fest is an annual open house in the spring that allows students to discover a wide range of resources.—
Staff report,
Daily News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Lior Torenberg explains what sets the Sad Girl Grifter (SGG) apart from her lying, scheming peers.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry in early October cleared Rodarte and Trumm of potential wrongdoing, deeming their gunfire in response to Oliver as justified self-defense.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Some of Ross’s actions could be legally justified, Ramsey noted.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalize. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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