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
The rationale for this move centers on strengthening U.S. technological independence, with Intel being the only major semiconductor company producing advanced chips at scale inside the U.S.
—
Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025
The Obama Administration gave this as a rationale for ending the program, in 2012.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025
Trump explained his rationale for the mid-decade maneuver, arguing that his margin of victory in the Lone Star State justifies changing the maps.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
If revenue growth begins to slow, the rationale for the company’s elevated valuation may weaken.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2025
The Obama Administration gave this as a rationale for ending the program, in 2012.
—Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025
Trump explained his rationale for the mid-decade maneuver, arguing that his margin of victory in the Lone Star State justifies changing the maps.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025
If revenue growth begins to slow, the rationale for the company’s elevated valuation may weaken.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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The group did not offer any explanation for the building's inclusion on the list.—
Shelby Slade,
AZCentral.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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From the trailers, the explanation seems to be at least some sort of dimension-hopping shenanigans that will transplant the cast from one universe to another, or at least clone them and their experiences.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Our creative and marketing teams form the largest portion of our workforce—and for good reason.—
Anatolii Kasianov,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Some states permit universal mail-in voting, for example, where anyone can vote by mail for any reason.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images But there is another side to this argument.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
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Despite assurances from Wall Street banks and TV pundits, the argument for leaning heavily on stocks is a lot flimsier today than before the liftoff, and the appeal of bonds much greater.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
16 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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