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
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
Even alternative archives require selection, embellishment, and decisions about emphasis whose rationales may not always be clear.
—Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Trump’s penchant for wielding emergency powers and national security rationales to take trade action has shone a spotlight on this problem.
—Inu Manak, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
Decisions, rationales, and patterns become durable.
—Awaneesh Verma, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
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
Even alternative archives require selection, embellishment, and decisions about emphasis whose rationales may not always be clear.
—Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Trump’s penchant for wielding emergency powers and national security rationales to take trade action has shone a spotlight on this problem.
—Inu Manak, Time, 16 Jan. 2026
Decisions, rationales, and patterns become durable.
—Awaneesh Verma, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationales
Noun
-
There’s plenty of explanations.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
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Siple notes that many are drawn to the clarity of her explanations, particularly those who prefer a structured and analytical understanding of how the mind functions.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In this case, that blend of tradition and artistic interpretation resulted in a final product that stood out—if not entirely for the reasons the bride expected.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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One of the reasons American troops would be vulnerable on Kharg Island is its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from which missiles, drones and artillery could be fired.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 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 3 Apr. 2026.
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