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

The platform represents a new generation of physical AI systems that combine perception, reasoning, and natural interaction. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026

By shifting computing resources away from Sora, OpenAI could reallocate the computing chips to more lucrative coding, reasoning or text-generation tasks. —Jared Perlo, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026

Musk expressed gratitude for Samsung and other chip suppliers but explained his reasoning for the Terafab project. —Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 23 Mar. 2026

Large Language Models often struggle with precise derivations and calculations in theoretical physics, sometimes exhibiting inconsistent reasoning. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 22 Mar. 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