rationalize

verb

ra·​tio·​nal·​ize ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz 

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz

rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes

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

rationalizable

ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl 

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-

adjective

rationalizer

ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər 

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-

noun

plural rationalizers

Synonyms

• account (for)
• attribute
• explain
• explain away

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

But The Idea of You isn’t interested in rationalizing the mega-celebrity’s affections, instead letting audiences bask in the most charming parts of the fantasy. —Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024

Putin likes to rationalize his fateful choices by looking to historical analogies. —Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024

And as social media and the turbulent news cycle compete for visitors’ attention, museums must also rationalize their existence to the people who come through their doors every day. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024

Real progress was always out of reach, a failure rationalized with a litany of excuses − faculty governance, a difficult legislature, uncollaborative researchers, budget cuts, even student groups intent on protesting. —Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024

In the political arena, for instance, Democrats and Republicans have been brainwashed by cable news and will rationalize lying, cheating and stealing to back their candidate no matter what. —Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2024

In 2024, CIOs will be a critical partner in cost savings efforts, with a focus on rationalizing the SaaS tech stack. —Ben Pippenger, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

At best, those on the right who wish to maintain that access must cynically ignore, rationalize and minimize the two men’s profound flaws. —David French, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024

Across social media, some pro-Palestinian activists shared snippets of the video of Bushnell rationalizing his decision aloud in the seconds before lighting himself on fire. —Hannah Allam, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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

rationalization

ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ən-ᵊl-ə-

noun

Medical Definition

rationalize

verb

ra·​tio·​nal·​ize

variants also British rationalise

ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-ᵊl-ˌīz 

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

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct

rationalizer noun

also British rationaliser

-ər