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

Give them the economics, the reasoning beneath the numbers, and partner with organizations like Economics Arkansas, which has equipped our teachers to do exactly that since 1962. — Michael Poore Special To The Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Raffa and his colleagues argue that the reasoning behind the advice isn’t based on solid evidence. — New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026

Use smaller, cheaper models for classification and routine requests, and save larger models for complex decisions where better reasoning creates value. — Monica Hovsepian, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The couple left the UK for the US in 2020 after stepping down as working royals, and part of the reasoning behind it was Meghan’s mental health and the constant tabloid attention in the UK. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 29 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