rationalize

verb

ra·tio·nal·ize ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz

rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes

Synonyms of rationalize next

transitive verb

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

: to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of

rationalize a myth

: 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

: to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts

rationalize a denominator

: to apply research-based managerial principles to (something, such as an industry or its operations) for increased productivity and efficiency

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct

rationalizable

ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-

adjective

rationalizer

ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-

noun

plural rationalizers

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 Supporters of Musk rationalize his controversial behavior as necessary for the greater good, reducing cognitive dissonance. —

Grace Lordan, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2023 The high cost of higher ed has long been rationalized as a down payment on a better future, an investment in skills that will translate into over a million dollars in additional lifetime earnings when compared to those with only a high school diploma. —

Indigo Olivier, The New Republic, 1 Sep. 2023 Some rationalized their involvement as relatively harmless or financially necessary, according to officials. —

Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2023 Their strength comes from their ability to rationalize, even amidst intense emotions and hormonal surges. —

Maria Williams, USA TODAY, 10 Aug. 2023 In contrast, an AI can’t rationalize its decision-making. —

Mark Bailey, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2023 The second: Could the Rangers rationalize Carter skipping Triple-A? —

Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 24 Aug. 2023 Listen to this answer on rationalizing what's going on with his campaign. —

Nbc Universal, NBC News, 9 July 2023 Traditional real estate tends to appreciate in value, which arguably rationalizes the massive upfront cost of buying a home. —

WIRED, 2 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rationalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.