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

Models are getting cheaper per unit of capability while enterprises ask them to perform vastly more reasoning and work, especially through autonomous agents. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

What This Means For Everyone Else With the system increasingly doing the reasoning for you, consumers believe that fintech will lead to fewer challenges and less financial knowledge needed to make wise decisions. — Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

One document is two pages and talks about Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ reasoning for releasing information. — Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

Others seized on this reasoning, and the mythmaking quickly spiraled. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 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