rationalize

play

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 asa : to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of rationalize a mythb : 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

If that's too lofty a comparison to rationalize the losses of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, which James almost overcame in 2015 with a ridiculous performance, then how about Ron Harper and Toni Kukoc?

— k.c. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Michael Jordan vs LeBron James: How can you choose a winner?", 31 May 2017
But this pervasive assumption rationalizing residential segregation in the United States ignores the long history of federal, state and local policies that generated the residential segregation found across the country today.

— katie nodjimbadem, Smithsonian, "The Racial Segregation of American Cities Was Anything But Accidental", 30 May 2017
The entire operation would be rationalized and streamlined.

— gideon lewis-kraus, WIRED, "Check In With the Velociraptor at the World’s First Robot Hotel", 2 Mar. 2016

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.

1665

First Known Use of rationalize

1665

RATIONALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

rationalize

play

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

play

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

\ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-^əl-ˌīz\play

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 he tried to rationalize his cruel behavior