as in explanation
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rationale
If Jentleson’s aim is to moderate an increasingly radical Team Blue, this certainly equips him with a solid rationale.
—
Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
The AfDB’s longheld rationale for avoiding financing nuclear energy — the technology’s high costs — is increasingly outdated.
—W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The goal of a lifetime,’’ Corso said after the game, explaining his rationale.
—Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
But the nerves — the feeling of bracing for the worst — had grown as steady as the rationale for them.
—Sam McDowell 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
The AfDB’s longheld rationale for avoiding financing nuclear energy — the technology’s high costs — is increasingly outdated.
—W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The goal of a lifetime,’’ Corso said after the game, explaining his rationale.
—Dana O'Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
But the nerves — the feeling of bracing for the worst — had grown as steady as the rationale for them.
—Sam McDowell 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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Much like cast-trip destinations, there often is very little rhyme or reason to a Real Housewives theme party — so instead, production (and/or the women) are tasked with coming up with some shoehorned explanation.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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To say nothing about the thorny question of its genre—do Eastern European writers need to provide more explanations and justifications when using the technique of autofiction?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Part of the reason why there are so few of these conversations about podcasting is a general lack of criticism for narrative audio.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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What's really behind the baby bust The reasons Americans choose not to have children are hotly debated in academic circles, with many attributing America’s baby bust to shifting priorities and societal norms.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Barr’s unconventional campaign, meant to make an argument against gerrymandering producing deeply partisan districts, made national headlines.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
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Officials said an argument between the men escalated to a fight.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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