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

For decades, a clinical note was intended to communicate observations, diagnostic reasoning, treatment decisions, uncertainty and professional judgment. —Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026

Sometimes that means concentrating probabilistic reasoning where experts can inspect it once and allowing deterministic systems to execute consistently. —Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Consolmagno’s reasoning helps explain why proof of extraterrestrial life hasn’t shaken the faith of many Catholic thinkers. —Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026

It is built on a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) architecture combined with a World Model for advanced perception, reasoning, and autonomous decision-making. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026

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