reasoning

noun

rea·son·ing | \ ˈrēz-niŋ

, ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ\

Definition of reasoning

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 Example Sentences Learn More about reasoning

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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

But the reasoning was sound at that stage of the game. — Henry Schulman, SFChronicle.com, "Giants mailbag: Buster Posey’s future, state of farm system, team expectations," 24 June 2019 Whether the change will extend to other facilities is not clear, and the reasoning behind the decision is unknown. — Justin Rohrlich, Quartz, "ICE detainees are no longer getting condiments on their sandwiches," 20 June 2019 Wheeler’s reasoning is that such research relies on confidential human health data, and is therefore not trustworthy. — Emily Atkin, The New Republic, "We Gotta Pay More Attention to This Boring Guy," 20 June 2019 Part of the reasoning is a great visit earlier in the process for Mohan. — Steven Lorenz, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football, Ohio State likely battling for 2020 viper William Mohan," 7 June 2019 The reasoning behind the disparity isn’t clear, and correlation doesn’t necessarily equal causation anyway. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "We Need to Talk About Syphilis," 28 May 2019 What was the judge’s reasoning in striking down the entire health-care law? — Mark Sherman, The Seattle Times, "After judge’s ruling against Obamacare, what happens now?," 17 Dec. 2018 At Olive and June in Los Angeles, a shop sign explains the reasoning behind a new 10 percent charge appearing on customers' bills. — Jennifer Lance, Glamour, "What No One Tells You About Tipping at the Nail Salon," 12 Dec. 2018 Melius Research analyst Scott Davis said the delay adds to the noise around the company and allows for investor speculation about the reasoning. — WSJ, "GE Delays Release of Quarterly Results Until Oct. 30," 12 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reasoning.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.