variants
also British rationalise
rationalizes; rationalized; rationalizing
1
: to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
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.
2
chiefly British
: to find ways to make (something, such as an industry, a company, etc.) waste less time, effort, and money
Management is thinking of ways to rationalize our system of production.
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rationalize. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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