reasoning

noun rea·son·ing \ ˈrēz-niŋ , ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Examples: reasoning in a Sentence

Definition of reasoning

1 : the use of reason; especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason

2 : an instance of the use of reason : argument

See reasoning defined for English-language learners

See reasoning defined for kids

Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

Could you explain your reasoning?
They told everyone the reasoning behind the decision.
a conclusion based on fallacious reasoning
Humans possess the power of reasoning.

Recent Examples of reasoning from the Web

Rather than leaning on the Commission’s reasoning, the Colorado Supreme Court repeatedly cited an administrative judge’s findings.

— aziz huq, Fortune, "What the Supreme Court’s Masterpiece Cakeshop Ruling Could Mean for Trump’s Travel Ban," 5 June 2018
The reasoning behind the inflated pricing is actually pretty complex, explained Fredrickson.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "WATCH: You’ll Never Believe How Little It Costs to Make a Tube of Lipstick," 4 June 2018
The reasoning changes, but the intended effect — shuttering clubs — remains the same.

— susan elizabeth shepard, Vox, "It’s International Whores’ Day. Let’s talk about why strippers need better labor laws.," 1 June 2018
But grammar is different, and some researchers have reckoned that adults, with their greater reasoning powers, are not really at a disadvantage relative to children.

— The Economist, "To master a language, start learning it early," 10 May 2018
Jonathan Oberman, a professor who trains public defenders at Cardozo Law School, also scoffs at Vance’s reasoning.

— tom robbins, Daily Intelligencer, "Think Manhattan DA Cy Vance Goes Easy on the Rich? Look at How He Prosecutes the Poor.," 29 Apr. 2018
While the reasoning behind the partnership is unknown, the demand is very well tracked.

— alexandra deabler, Fox News, "Rare Domino's-branded Rolex watch goes up for auction," 26 Apr. 2018
Her job is to amp up the foot soldiers at the firm, to arm the analysts with confidence and ice-cool reasoning skills.

— rachel syme, The New Republic, ""Billions" reckons with the inflated egos and muddled ethics of Wall Street.," 24 Apr. 2018
Back in 1987, when its participants were 12-14 years old, the study used questions to assess its subjects' quantitative reasoning abilities (a proxy for scientific ability) and basic science knowledge.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Interest in science, not ability, builds trust in climate science," 24 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reasoning.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of reasoning

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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reasoning Synonyms

Synonyms

intellection, logic, ratiocination, reason, sense;

Near Antonyms

illogic, incoherence;

absurdity, brainlessness, insanity, irrationality, nonsensicalness, preposterousness, senselessness;

convincingness, persuasiveness;

syllogism, synthesis;

analysis, dissection;

deduction, induction;

argumentation, disputation;

REASONING Defined for English Language Learners

reasoning

noun

Definition of reasoning for English Language Learners

: the process of thinking about something in a logical way in order to form a conclusion or judgment
: the ability of the mind to think and understand things in a logical way