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

Multiple experts told Flow Space that challenging the mind keeps cognition sharp by training and activating problem solving skills, memory, visual perception and reasoning. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 1 Jan. 2026

Trained at a fraction of the cost of its big competitors from the likes of OpenAI and Google, and released with full technical transparency, R1 became the first major reasoning LLM to undergo peer review. —New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025

New large language models, including GPT-5, DeepSeek and Gemini 3, demonstrated near-expert performance on clinical reasoning, interpretation of complex symptoms and risk prediction. —Robert Pearl, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025

Here in his pitiful, mini Gaza where reasoning and logic struggle futilely. —Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

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