as in explanations
a statement given to explain a belief or act
the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep
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Recent Examples of rationales
Investors look for reasons to take profits, even though the rationales may have nothing to do with the market action.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Instead, the White House offered frequently shifting rationales for its war and little outreach to the Iranian resistance.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Indeed, that’s one of the main rationales for banks issuing these lifestyle cards.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
Among the chief rationales for the lower tax rate on capital gains is to counter the effect of inflation.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
The administration has offered shifting rationales and timelines since the start of the conflict.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
His rationales and aims change constantly.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 7 Mar. 2026
But each of these rationales demands a different strategy; eliminating an imminent threat involves a different set of operations than establishing peace in the region (or the world).
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
Furthermore, the administration’s rationales keep changing.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
Michael Hiltzik, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Instead, the White House offered frequently shifting rationales for its war and little outreach to the Iranian resistance.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Indeed, that’s one of the main rationales for banks issuing these lifestyle cards.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026
Among the chief rationales for the lower tax rate on capital gains is to counter the effect of inflation.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
The administration has offered shifting rationales and timelines since the start of the conflict.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
His rationales and aims change constantly.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 7 Mar. 2026
But each of these rationales demands a different strategy; eliminating an imminent threat involves a different set of operations than establishing peace in the region (or the world).
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
Furthermore, the administration’s rationales keep changing.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationales
Noun
-
Here are three, with accompanying explanations.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
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In her very few interviews or explanations for the new album, Mitski has talked about how cats are often popularly identified as girls, and associated with unapologetic independence — two traits that can become demonized when they’re paired up.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But those shootarounds can be canceled for any number of reasons, including if the game is the second in consecutive nights, or if the team is in the middle of a tough stretch of travel or practiced the day before.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
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The spa There’s a solid spa here that’s always cooking up new reasons to visit.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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During oral arguments, several conservative justices questioned the legal foundation and practical enforcement of the policy, which aims to deny citizenship to some children born in the United States to undocumented or temporary immigrant parents.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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In February, Tobolowsky heard an hour of arguments before denying the motions to dismiss that were filed by two Gateway elders, according to the Texas Lawbook.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rationales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationales. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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