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

Although the ruling came in a criminal case, the same reasoning would likely apply in civil matters as well—including disputes involving contracts, prenups, taxes, estates, or business issues. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Popular models like Claude now show their reasoning before delivering a final answer, letting users watch the model work through a problem step by step. —Julia Dhar, Fortune, 29 May 2026

Smarter robots emerge Several papers also focused on improving robotic assembly and reasoning capabilities. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

Executives announced the deal internally and shared the ethics committee’s decision, sparking backlash from employees who said they were concerned with the committee’s reasoning and Boston Dynamics’ inability to control situations in which the dog-like bot could be used by police, the people said. —Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 20 May 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