rationalize

verb

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ra·tio·nal·ize | \ ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz

, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz \

rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes

Definition of rationalize

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 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

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Other Words from rationalize

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 The real mystery is why some people will go to any end to rationalize state violence against Black bodies. — Charles M. Blow New York Times, Star Tribune, "The state of the movement: Black Lives Matter," 8 Mar. 2021 That allowed the patron saint of the modern GOP (and his successors) to rationalize massive tax cuts for the rich. — Yvonne Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "Lessons that a 7-year-old girl can teach today’s Republicans," 6 Mar. 2021 Acknowledge your feelings and feel them all the way through without trying to rationalize them away. — Tarot Astrologers, chicagotribune.com, "Daily horoscope for February 28, 2021," 28 Feb. 2021 Allow an open and free marketplace in health care and pricing will rationalize. — WSJ, "On the Very Wide Variation in Medical Costs," 19 Feb. 2021 Yet Wallen’s album, Dangerous, still kept its top spot on the current Billboard 200, after fans continued to buy Wallen’s music after the video came out — while some others online have even tried to rationalize his use of a racial slur. — Justin Curto, Vulture, "Morgan Wallen Tells Fans ‘Please Don’t’ Defend Him in New Apology Video," 11 Feb. 2021 Democrats focused intently on words offered by rioters to rationalize their storming of the Capitol. — Brian Slodysko, Anchorage Daily News, "Thursday highlights from the Trump impeachment trial: ‘We were invited,’ and a quick defense expected," 11 Feb. 2021 Democrats focused intently on words offered by rioters to rationalize their storming of the Capitol. — Brian Slodysko, Star Tribune, "Trial highlights: 'We were invited' and a quick defense," 11 Feb. 2021 Democrats focused intently on words offered by rioters to rationalize their storming of the Capitol. — Brian Slodysko, ajc, "Trial highlights: 'We were invited' and a quick defense," 11 Feb. 2021

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.

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Last Updated

12 Mar 2021

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“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 10 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for rationalize

rationalize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of rationalize

: to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.

chiefly British : to find ways to make (something, such as an industry, a company, etc.) waste less time, effort, and money

See the full definition for rationalize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rationalize

verb

ra·tio·nal·ize | \ ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz

rationalized; rationalizing

Kids Definition of rationalize

: to find an excuse for something that seems reasonable or believable He tried to rationalize his foolish purchase.

rationalize

verb

ra·tio·nal·ize

variants: also British rationalise \ ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-ᵊl-ˌīz

rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising

Medical Definition of rationalize

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

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct