rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz 
ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz
rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes
1
: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: such as
a
: to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of
rationalize a myth
b
: to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives
rationalized his dislike of his brother
broadly
: to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for
rationalize the problem
2
: to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts
rationalize a denominator
3
: to apply research-based managerial principles to (something, such as an industry or its operations) for increased productivity and efficiency
: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
Examples of rationalize in a Sentence
She tried to rationalize her grandson's strange behavior by blaming it on the boy's father.
He couldn't rationalize buying such an expensive car.
She knows she shouldn't have done it—she's just trying to rationalize.
Management is thinking of ways to rationalize our system of production.
Recent Examples on the Web
And with that creative thinking comes questioning everything and rationalizing why things are done the way they are done.
—
Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Trying to rationalize something with a teenager is different than trying to rationalize something with one of his cohorts.
—Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
While many of these acts have been ignored or rationalized by the president’s supporters, the tariffs may be different.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
Beneath their air of irreproachable authority, Jung and Freud — both brilliantly played, the first with subtlety, the other with theatrical relish — wrestle with petty grievances and insecurities, while the former stubbornly rationalizes his affair with onetime patient Spielrein.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
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Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Trying to rationalize something with a teenager is different than trying to rationalize something with one of his cohorts.
—Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
While many of these acts have been ignored or rationalized by the president’s supporters, the tariffs may be different.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
Beneath their air of irreproachable authority, Jung and Freud — both brilliantly played, the first with subtlety, the other with theatrical relish — wrestle with petty grievances and insecurities, while the former stubbornly rationalizes his affair with onetime patient Spielrein.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz
-ən-ᵊl-ˌīz
rationalized; rationalizing
1
: to bring into agreement with reason or cause something to seem believable
2
: to remove irrational expressions from
rationalize a denominator
Medical Definition
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
variants
also British rationalise
rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising
: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable
especially
: to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives
he tried to rationalize his cruel behavior
: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
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