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

The travel rules for television were also rationalized and clarified, said the union, closing many loopholes and ambiguities that have allowed for abuse.

— jonathan handel, The Hollywood Reporter, "SAG-AFTRA Board Approves TV/Theatrical Deal," 16 July 2017
The dysfunction of the relationship only encourages both sides to boost the dosage and rationalize the addiction.

— jonah goldberg, National Review, "Trump’s Relationship with Media Is Co-dependent," 4 July 2017
Keep reading here about how power causes brain damage, and go here for insight into how some powerful hypocrites rationalize their inconsistencies.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Daily: Disturbing Footage," 21 June 2017
Something prettier, more wearable, designed for the woman who secretly adored the whimsy of that Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino but can’t rationalize a mermaid-hued mane at her 9-to-5?

— crystal martin, New York Times, "How to Pull Off Rainbow Hair and Still Look Like an Adult," 20 June 2017
Jones tried to rationalize his statements in the interview but for the most part seemed frustrated by Kelly's queries.

— tribune news service, NOLA.com, "Megyn Kelly, NBC News take gloves off in Alex Jones interview ... and he's steamed," 19 June 2017
Jones tried to rationalize his statements in the interview but for the most part seemed frustrated by Kelly’s queries.

— stephen battaglio, latimes.com, "Megyn Kelly and NBC News take the gloves off in Alex Jones interview — and now he's mad," 18 June 2017
If anti-Trump material comes from a news agency or a political opponent, the human mind is going to rationalize and explain it away as fake or biased news ...

— benjy sarlin, NBC News, "How Donald Trump’s Old Tweets Haunt Him Today," 9 June 2017
To his credit, Tillerson, unlike Homeland Secretary John F. Kelly and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, has kept to a minimum his rationalizing and spinning on behalf of the president on Russia and other topics more generally.

— jennifer rubin, The Denver Post, "The big political takeaways on the U.S. exiting the Paris climate deal," 2 June 2017

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

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