rationalize

verb

ra·​tio·​nal·​ize ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz
rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
rationalizable
ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-
adjective
rationalizer
ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-
noun
plural rationalizers

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Aboard Air Force One on Sunday, President Trump rationalized the effect his chaotic tariff talk was having on global stockmarkets. Christopher Helman, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 But the biggest threat on the horizon for VW is from President Donald Trump’s plan to rationalize its tariff regime with Europe. Neil Winton, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Insisting that only the violence of the right is worth highlighting while rationalizing and downplaying that of the left will lead to more of it. Noah Rothman, National Review, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rationalize

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationalize was in 1665

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Cite this Entry

“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

rationalize

verb
ra·​tio·​nal·​ize ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
-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
rationalization noun

Medical Definition

rationalize

verb
ra·​tio·​nal·​ize
variants also British rationalise
rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising

transitive verb

: 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

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
rationalizer noun
also British rationaliser

More from Merriam-Webster on rationalize

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