rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz 
ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz
rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes
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 research-based managerial principles to (something, such as an industry or its operations) for increased productivity and efficiency
: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
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
That argument can help rationalize the Islanders’ decision to make this trade in the first place, with Matthew Schaefer incoming.
—
Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Yet, instead of universal outrage, attempts to justify this atrocity have already begun — as if these cold-blooded murders can somehow be rationalized by events in Gaza thousands of miles away.
—Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
The group again tries to rationalize the morality of killing the baby.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior.
—Joseph Folkman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
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Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Yet, instead of universal outrage, attempts to justify this atrocity have already begun — as if these cold-blooded murders can somehow be rationalized by events in Gaza thousands of miles away.
—Laurence Milstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
The group again tries to rationalize the morality of killing the baby.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior.
—Joseph Folkman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz
-ən-ᵊl-ˌīz
rationalized; rationalizing
1
: to bring into agreement with reason or cause something to seem believable
2
: to remove irrational expressions from
rationalize a denominator
Medical Definition
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
variants
also British rationalise
rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising
: 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
: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
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