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
What Gemini says, Pisces feels, and what Pisces senses, Gemini tries to rationalize.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
And time and again, high fuel prices have been the most powerful catalyst for change, separating the winners and forcing weaker players to rationalize, consolidate or be eliminated, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on an earnings call last week.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
Investment was strategy – a key obligation to deliver on the business plan that would rationalize our valuation.
—Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
Instead of obsessively over-rationalizing or avoiding, try making friends with that feeling.
—Goth Shakira
contributing, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
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Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
And time and again, high fuel prices have been the most powerful catalyst for change, separating the winners and forcing weaker players to rationalize, consolidate or be eliminated, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on an earnings call last week.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
Investment was strategy – a key obligation to deliver on the business plan that would rationalize our valuation.
—Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
Instead of obsessively over-rationalizing or avoiding, try making friends with that feeling.
—Goth Shakira
contributing, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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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