rationalize

verb ra·tio·nal·ize \ ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz , ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz \

Definition of rationalize

rationalized; rationalizing

transitive verb

1 :to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: such as

a :to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of

rationalize a myth

b :to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives

rationalized his dislike of his brother

; broadly :to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for

rationalize the problem

2 :to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts

rationalize a denominator

3 :to apply the principles of scientific management to (something, such as an industry or its operations) for a desired result (such as increased efficiency)

intransitive verb

:to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct

—

rationalizable

play \ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl, ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-\ adjective

—

rationalization

play \ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌra-shə-nə-lə-\ noun

—

rationalizer

play \ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-\ noun

See rationalize defined for English-language learners

See rationalize defined for kids

Examples of rationalize in a Sentence

She tried to rationalize her grandson's strange behavior by blaming it on the boy's father.
He couldn't rationalize buying such an expensive car.
She knows she shouldn't have done it—she's just trying to rationalize.
Management is thinking of ways to rationalize our system of production.

Recent Examples of rationalize from the Web

Sand said Tipton, in a two-day interview, answered all the questions, but often minimized and rationalized the criminal nature of his actions and their effects.

— david pitt, The Seattle Times, "Mastermind of lottery fraud faces 25-year prison sentence," 20 Aug. 2017
Mikyska said so many people have used their Christian faith to rationalize hatred or violence throughout history.

— rafael guerrero, Elgin Courier-News, "After Charlottesville, demonstrators say hateful rhetoric not welcome in Elgin," 19 Aug. 2017
Lenz’s work shows that in elections all across the world, voters tend to pick a candidate or party first — and then adopt the ideological positions that rationalize their choice.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Democrats Can Abandon the Center — Because the Center Doesn’t Exist," 30 July 2017
The travel rules for television were also rationalized and clarified, said the union, closing many loopholes and ambiguities that have allowed for abuse.

— jonathan handel, The Hollywood Reporter, "SAG-AFTRA Board Approves TV/Theatrical Deal," 16 July 2017
The dysfunction of the relationship only encourages both sides to boost the dosage and rationalize the addiction.

— jonah goldberg, National Review, "Trump’s Relationship with Media Is Co-dependent," 4 July 2017
Keep reading here about how power causes brain damage, and go here for insight into how some powerful hypocrites rationalize their inconsistencies.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Daily: Disturbing Footage," 21 June 2017
Something prettier, more wearable, designed for the woman who secretly adored the whimsy of that Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino but can’t rationalize a mermaid-hued mane at her 9-to-5?

— crystal martin, New York Times, "How to Pull Off Rainbow Hair and Still Look Like an Adult," 20 June 2017
Jones tried to rationalize his statements in the interview but for the most part seemed frustrated by Kelly's queries.

— tribune news service, NOLA.com, "Megyn Kelly, NBC News take gloves off in Alex Jones interview ... and he's steamed," 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rationalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rationalize

1665

rationalize Synonyms

Synonyms

account (for), attribute, explain away, explain

Related Words

condone, excuse, forgive, justify; absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

RATIONALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

rationalize

verb

Definition of rationalize for English Language Learners

: to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
: to find ways to make (something, such as an industry, a company, etc.) waste less time, effort, and money

RATIONALIZE Defined for Kids

rationalize

verb ra·tio·nal·ize \ ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz \

Definition of rationalize for Students

rationalized; rationalizing

:to find an excuse for something that seems reasonable or believable He tried to rationalize his foolish purchase.

Medical Dictionary

rationalize

verb ra·tio·nal·ize

variants: also British rationalise play \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-ᵊl-ˌīz\

medical Definition of rationalize

rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising

transitive verb

:to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable; especially :to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives