rationalization

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​za·​tion ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce rationalization (audio)
ˌra-shə-nə-lə-
plural rationalizations
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing : a way of describing, interpreting, or explaining something (such as bad behavior) that makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
They're masters of high-speed sophistry and self-serving rationalizations, and they threaten one another as if the power of threats lies mainly in how elegantly expressed they are …Nitsuh Abebe
But that's a convenient rationalization that removes from the rest of us the onus for doing the right thing even when the wrong thing is alluring and nobody would blame you for it.Leonard Pitts, Jr.
People rationalize what they shun or are incapable of dealing with; these superstitions and their rationalizations become ritual as they govern behavior.Ralph Ellison
Importantly, these perceptions of victimhood were automatic and effortless, not belabored rationalizations.Kurt Gray and Chelsea Schein

Examples of rationalization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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More often than not, the sort of activist who makes a career of political agitation — even from within the confines of an ostensibly apolitical institution — is beholden to a constellation of misconceptions and rationalizations that justify even the most self-destructive endeavors. Noah Rothman, National Review, 29 May 2025 This is the episode where every lie, avoidance and rationalization comes out. Peter White, Deadline, 21 May 2025 After schools gave reassurances or rationalizations or denied services, the parents kept raising concerns, seeking advice from teachers and fellow parents and pursuing formal evaluations. Maria Benevento, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2025 Rinehart, 71, doesn't just want to watch a portfolio, but has pushed for the rationalization of the industry, to better compete with China. Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationalization was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalization. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

rationalization

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​iza·​tion
variants also British rationalisation
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing
especially : the provision of plausible reasons to explain to oneself or others behavior for which one's real motives are different and unknown or unconscious

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