reasoning

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

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

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

Alan Dershowitz, a Fox News legal analyst and frequent Trump stooge, scolded Hannity during his own show on Monday night, reasoning that Hannity's silence, at the very least, creates the appearance of impropriety.

— jay willis, GQ, "Fox News Was Always Going to Enable Sean Hannity," 18 Apr. 2018
Perhaps making this situation even more confusing is how O'Neill is issuing short orders on motions in lieu of explaining in detailed opinions the legal basis and reasoning behind his rethinking.

— eriq gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "Will Any Bill Cosby Conviction Withstand an Appeals Court?," 17 Apr. 2018
That meant that as the existing cells died with age, nerve connections were lost and everything from memory to reasoning and language skills started to decline.

— alice park, Time, "This Study Could Explain Why Our Brains Perform Worse As We Age," 5 Apr. 2018
Many investors remain bullish on U.S. stocks, reasoning that the 2017 tax cut will lift profits and keep markets buoyant.

— akane otani, WSJ, "Small Caps Weather Latest Market Turmoil," 25 Mar. 2018
The group's reasoning focuses almost exclusively on the availability of nuclear weapons and a willingness among the world's great powers to use them.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "Doomsday Clock just moved: It's now 2 minutes to 'midnight,' the symbolic hour of the apocalypse," 25 Jan. 2018
The group's reasoning focuses almost exclusively on the availability of nuclear weapons and a willingness among the world's great powers to use them.

— the washington post, AL.com, "Doomsday Clock advances to 2 minutes until midnight," 25 Jan. 2018
Those with autism may also have symptoms related to reasoning and planning, narrow and intense interests, poor motor skills, and sensory sensitivities.

— ruth brown and michael katz, idahostatesman, "This egg hunt means more than candy. It’s a place for children with autism to connect. | Idaho Statesman," 31 Mar. 2018
The Cardinals did, reasoning Mathieu was not worth paying that much money.

— kent somers, azcentral, "Arizona Cardinals address concerns in free agency - but did they answer them?," 20 Mar. 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