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

But McCombs explained on Instagram the reasoning behind Sundown doesn’t come with racist intentions. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee updated March 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

The taxonomy identifies 10 key cognitive faculties—including perception, reasoning, memory, learning, attention, and social cognition—that the researchers argue are essential for general intelligence. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026

At the same time, one of us is leading a complementary line of research focused on explaining the reasoning behind the machine learning model decisions. —Isaac Quaye, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026

Batey, the Spotify spokesperson, disputes that reasoning. —Kyle Eustice, VIBE.com, 30 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