reasoning

1 of 2

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

reasoning

2 of 2

present participle of reason entry 2

Synonyms of reasoning

Noun

• logic
• reason

Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

So for a writer-director who was about to become a dad, what’s the reasoning behind a dad-less story? — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Great presidents have shown the importance of communicating their vision and their reasoning for undertaking a certain action. — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026

Undoubtedly, scientific reasoning is essential to building the case - without it, negotiations between countries, climate models, and new technologies to mitigate GHG emissions would have no north star. — Jamil Wyne, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

The reasoning can be found in an Easter egg manager Walt Weiss dropped Sunday after Elder allowed one run over six innings in the Braves’ win over the Diamondbacks at Truist Park. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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