reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing ˈrēz-niŋ 

ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ

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

Synonyms of reasoning

• logic
• reason

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 on the Web

By layering macro-level route planning with micro-level real-time reasoning, the platform enables the vehicle to interpret and respond to dynamic environments with greater nuance. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

But Khanna’s reasoning—essentially, that the intense public interest in the files demands transparency and that the American public can be trusted to be judicious with unverified claims therein—is not very convincing. —Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026

Artificial intelligence models capable of generating text or reasoning are typically built using graphics processing units from Nvidia Corp. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026

The reasoning for coming downtown wasn’t as apparent. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reasoning

• line of reasoning

Rhymes for reasoning

• seasoning

Kids Definition

reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing

1

: the use of reason

2

: the reasons used in and the proofs that result from thought : argument