1
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act
she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in motive
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
a firm belief that we are here on earth to help others is the reason for her tireless volunteer work
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood?
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result
what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in sense
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
you'll need to use all of your reason to get out of this tight spot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in mind
the normal or healthy condition of the mental abilities
was afraid that with all the stress he was under, he'd lose all reason
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in reasoning
the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems
in a time of national crisis we need to listen to the voice of reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information
she reasoned that since all of the cakes were on sale for the same price, she might as well pick the biggest one
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
he tried to reason that no one in their right mind would buy his brother's old video games, but they were put on the online auction anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reason
Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
The Television Academy has stubbornly hung on to the old notion that half-hour shows are comedies while hourlong shows are dramas if for no other reason than there doesn’t seem to be a better determining factor.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 June 2025
Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
The vast majority of fully orange cats are male, which led scientists to reason decades ago that the genetic code for orange color is carried on the X chromosome.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
The public backlash is part of the reason that long-term institutional investors sent a letter to Tesla’s board in late May raising concerns about the company.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
The Television Academy has stubbornly hung on to the old notion that half-hour shows are comedies while hourlong shows are dramas if for no other reason than there doesn’t seem to be a better determining factor.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 June 2025
Verb
Hyland reasoned that the khipu’s last few cords probably were a signature.
—Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
The vast majority of fully orange cats are male, which led scientists to reason decades ago that the genetic code for orange color is carried on the X chromosome.
—Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
The new study, published this month in Psychological Science, offers one explanation about this phenomenon.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
-
There was little immediate public explanation or detail from the White House in the aftermath of Trump’s dramatic escalation.—
Phil Mattingly,
CNN Money,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Authorities are still working to figure out a motive for the five musicians’ killings, according to the AP and BBC.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
30 May 2025
-
Other motives may include growing followers, harvesting affirmation and deliberately sowing confusion.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Wednesday, May 28, is National Hamburger Day, giving burger chains an excuse to offer their customers some deals.—
Fielding Buck,
Oc Register,
28 May 2025
-
And what is a podcast, after all, if not an excuse to hang out with people who seem cool?—
Rebecca Jennings,
Vulture,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 June 2025
-
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by KCFD, which issued a dangerous building order.—
Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Drawing inspiration from seaside villas, the light and airy rooms evoke a sense of calm that draws the eye to the panoramic-view windows and terraces.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
8 June 2025
-
There’s no sense of me and you, us and them, mine and yours.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
The thought of sitting out spring practices never crossed star running back Kyren Williams’ mind, despite an ongoing contract negotiation between his representatives and the Los Angeles Rams.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
With January’s trauma still fresh in the minds of many, Verdery said the group is focused on rebuilding with an eye toward safety and resilience.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The Supreme Court’s majority did not provide any reasoning for their decision to let the Trump administration move forward with the deportations.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
The justices in the majority did not explain their reasoning.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
But Wolf’s greatest contribution is in faithfully documenting his open, sometimes ugly dialogue with a figure who was widely known yet never, until now, understood.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 May 2025
-
Both Wong and Barratt understand the assignments here.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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