reasoning

noun

rea·son·ing | \ ˈrēz-niŋ

, ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ\

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

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about reasoning

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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

The Justice Department did not explain its reasoning in a two-sentence letter to the court, but promised a full and timely explanation for the appeals judges. — Ricardo Alonso-zaldivar, The Seattle Times, "Dems cry foul as Trump calls for striking down ‘Obamacare’," 27 Mar. 2019 The justices didn’t explain their reasoning, though the court’s move suggests that a majority of may be inclined to uphold the restrictions when the case returns to the Supreme Court. — Nancy A. Youssef, WSJ, "Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Implement Transgender Restrictions in Military," 22 Jan. 2019 Other conspiracy theorists claim a more nefarious reasoning for the sinking: J.P Morgan was behind the switch, eager to use an inferior ship to drown his enemies onboard. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "The Wild Conspiracy That the Titanic Never Sank," 27 Feb. 2019 Signs of this often include problems finding the right words, issues accurately processing visual or spatial information, and impaired reasoning or judgment, the NIA says. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Are There Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease to Watch For?," 28 Nov. 2018 His reasoning syncs with a growing desire in investing to find cheaper deals outside of Silicon Valley. — Theodore Schleifer, Recode, "The new hotness for tech billionaires? Do-gooder investments they can write off on their taxes.," 16 Oct. 2018 This reasoning hasn’t been used since President Jimmy Carter applied it to oil imports from Libya and Iran. — Courtney Becker, Philly.com, "What are tariffs, anyway?," 6 July 2018 In today's world of over-the-top gender reveals, this reasoning is refreshing and, to be honest, not completely shocking coming from the Duchess of Sussex. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Don't Know the Sex of Their Baby Yet," 14 Jan. 2019 In considering why so many women do wear bras, Deborah relates it to the reasoning behind women wearing jewelry and makeup, and shaving. — Emma Sarran Webster, Teen Vogue, "Why You Don't Have to Wear a Bra," 30 Nov. 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.