rationalization

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​za·​tion ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce rationalization (audio)
ˌra-shə-nə-lə-
plural rationalizations
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing : a way of describing, interpreting, or explaining something (such as bad behavior) that makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
They're masters of high-speed sophistry and self-serving rationalizations, and they threaten one another as if the power of threats lies mainly in how elegantly expressed they are …Nitsuh Abebe
But that's a convenient rationalization that removes from the rest of us the onus for doing the right thing even when the wrong thing is alluring and nobody would blame you for it.Leonard Pitts, Jr.
People rationalize what they shun or are incapable of dealing with; these superstitions and their rationalizations become ritual as they govern behavior.Ralph Ellison
Importantly, these perceptions of victimhood were automatic and effortless, not belabored rationalizations.Kurt Gray and Chelsea Schein

Examples of rationalization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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And because this is a fairly universal phenomenon, Democratic voters are engaged in similar processes of rationalization, too. Sarah Stein Lubrano, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025 This is an extraordinary figure, and largely unique to the food distribution landscape and the amount of purchasing, logistics and warehouse rationalization synergies that these companies have. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 13 Sep. 2025 There has been a lot of finger pointing, blame and rationalization from all sides, but the silver lining for travelers is that with Vegas visitation down, whatever the reasons, the city is starting to roll out travel deals, even on the Strip, were hotels have been resistant to package discounts. Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 It is chipped away via abdication: rationalizations and compromises as those with power and influence tell themselves that yielding just a little ground will keep them safe or that finding common ground with a disrupter is more practical than standing against him. Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationalization was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalization. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

rationalization

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​iza·​tion
variants also British rationalisation
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing
especially : the provision of plausible reasons to explain to oneself or others behavior for which one's real motives are different and unknown or unconscious

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