rationalize

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

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Examples: rationalize in a Sentence

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

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
Despite what the evidence may or may not present in the Zervos lawsuit, those moments can and probably will be rationalized by some Trump supporters.

— amber phillips, Washington Post, "The president of the United States was just accused of persistent charity fraud," 14 June 2018
Shooting from distance can be worth an additional point, as complicated as that can be to rationalize in our own minds.

— jesse newell, kansascity, "We're looking at deep three-pointers all wrong in college basketball. Here's why | The Kansas City Star," 17 May 2018
The Cavs, though, are rationalizing it this way: three of those Indiana wins came before the trade deadline.

— cleveland.com, "Do the Indiana Pacers have the Cavaliers' attention yet? -- Bud Shaw's You Said It," 16 Apr. 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.

First Known Use of rationalize

1665

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

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rationalize Synonyms

Synonyms

account (for), attribute, explain, explain away;

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