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

Steve Phelps’s legacy goes beyond lawsuit The timing and potential reasoning for his departure aside, Phelps’s tenure as NASCAR’s commissioner was undeniably impactful. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026

Here in his pitiful, mini Gaza where reasoning and logic struggle futilely. —Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 6 Jan. 2026

Many members of Congress, including Democrats, criticized this legal reasoning, but Obama was not branded a would-be king; the operation was often described in the media and by supporters as a humanitarian intervention. —Paul Vallas, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026

Cosmos Reason 2 serves as a reasoning vision language model that improves how robots and AI agents interpret and interact with physical spaces. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 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