rationalize

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

|Updated on: 8 Jul 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

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
Johnson draws a fascinating portrait of Rist as a self-rationalizing con man and exposes the culture of secrecy and opportunism that marks his fellow fly-tiers.

— joshua hammer, New York Times, "The Man Who Stole Bird Feathers," 1 June 2018
As centuries of forlorn singletons have learned and generations of songwriters have mastered, one of the best cures for heartbreak is the balm of music that speaks to our souls — or maybe helps us rationalize away the tears.

— raisa bruner, Time, "These Are the Best Songs to Help You Get Over a Breakup," 30 May 2018
Well, that's how Iggy’s intending to rationalize these continued, thwarted attempts at a comeback.

— eve barlow, GQ, "Can Iggy Azalea Be Her Own Savior?," 19 Apr. 2018
Is Gettleman’s grade that much higher on Barkley than Chubb to rationalize the No.

— conor orr, SI.com, "How Teams Interview Top Quarterback Prospects," 18 Apr. 2018
While some parts of Bosworth’s message may be defensible as pot-stirring hyperbole, others are more difficult to rationalize.

— david z. morris, Fortune, "Facebook Employees Are Reportedly Deleting Controversial Internal Messages," 31 Mar. 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