rationalize

verb

ra·tio·nal·ize | \ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz,

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\

rationalized; rationalizing

Definition of rationalize

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

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Other Words from rationalize

rationalizable \ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl,

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī- \ adjective

rationalization \ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən,

ˌra-shə-nə-lə- \ noun

rationalizer \ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər,

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī- \ noun

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 on the Web

Herein lay the justification for Gilpin’s remarkable, if fanciful, theory that rationalized American exceptionalism. — Johnforristerross, Longreads, "Taming the Great American Desert," 2 July 2018 When something awful happens, our instinct is to try to fix or rationalize. — Jackie Pilossoph, chicagotribune.com, "Column: When and how to use the power of silence in a relationship," 25 Apr. 2018 These expenditures can be rationalized as representing an alternative GOTV (Get Out the Vote) technique. — Ed Kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "The Bill for the Ballot Battle Over California Gas Tax Might Reach $75 Million," 9 July 2018 Van Sant sprinkles those inky little cartoons throughout the film, sometimes with animation, demonstrating if never rationalizing Callahan’s impulse to put pen to paper. — Justin Chang, latimes.com, "Review: Joaquin Phoenix stars in the captivating addiction drama 'Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot'," 12 July 2018 In rationalizing the AP World changes, the College Board spokesman Zachary Goldberg cited survey and performance data suggesting that too many students and teachers drown in the information overload and ultimately fail to gain value from the course. — Alia Wong, The Atlantic, "The Controversy Over Just How Much History AP World History Should Cover," 13 June 2018 It was based on such an absence of traitorous intent that the Obama Justice Department and the FBI — and, more important, President Obama himself — rationalized dropping the Clinton investigation rather than filing an indictment. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "Former CIA Agent Arrested for Mishandling Classified Information," 17 Jan. 2018 And gun violence is inarguably tragic; that a young man was cut down in the prime of his life is impossible to rationalize, no matter his stature or past misdeeds. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "How Will XXXTentacion Be Remembered?," 19 June 2018 Syriza, at the time a small hard-left opposition party, often rationalized these incidents as the product of the legitimate indignation of the people. — Yannis Palaiologos, WSJ, "The Far Left and Right Run Riot on Greek Streets," 28 May 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near rationalize

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Last Updated

14 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for rationalize

The first known use of rationalize was in 1665

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More Definitions for rationalize

rationalize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of rationalize

: 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

See the full definition for rationalize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rationalize

verb

ra·tio·nal·ize | \ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz

rationalized; rationalizing

Kids Definition of rationalize

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

rationalize

verb

ra·tio·nal·ize

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

rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising

Medical Definition of rationalize

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 he tried to rationalize his cruel behavior