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
Far too many people, who also depended on the accused for their livelihoods, ignored complaints and obvious signs of distress or simply looked the other way, rationalizing the incidents as the cost of doing business.
—
Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
The unraveling started a few years earlier when the aerospace company that owned them decided to rationalize and get itself out of the car business.
—ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
For each, the gallery is a stage set, its proportions rationalized by Goulds.
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
If preventing human extinction is the ultimate good, virtually any present sacrifice can and should be rationalized.
—John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
The unraveling started a few years earlier when the aerospace company that owned them decided to rationalize and get itself out of the car business.
—ArsTechnica, 13 May 2025
For each, the gallery is a stage set, its proportions rationalized by Goulds.
—Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
If preventing human extinction is the ultimate good, virtually any present sacrifice can and should be rationalized.
—John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize
Verb
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The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
People.com,
13 July 2025
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Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
13 July 2025
Verb
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If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
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What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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