RATIONALIZATION Synonyms: 20 Similar Words

rationalization

noun

Definition of rationalization

as in rationale

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of rationalization On the company’s earnings call, Celsius Chairman and CEO John Fieldly cited a product rationalization program and deliberate pause in innovation as main reasons for the shortfall. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 This interjection had become a form of rationalization for Kenzo, whatever the situation. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Entity rationalization, transfer pricing and consolidated return positions compound with each transaction. — Shawn Cole, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The rationalization is that residents are struggling and need help paying for food, electricity and gasoline. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalization

Noun

But evidence from other shootings involving immigration enforcement officers has sometimes called into question that rationale.

— Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
While the Fed’s policymakers voted unanimously to raise interest rates last month, they were divided over the rationale for doing so.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

Lula’s government opposed the move, warning that applying a terrorism framework to Brazilian criminal groups could become a pretext for foreign intervention.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Anding, who resigned in July, said that Allen used the collapse as a pretext to completely gut and remodel the Lighthouse’s office area, which led to lengthy delays in reopening the building.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

Aquarius January 20 – February 18 A bigger idea may need a clearer explanation today.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
The process starts with the official voter guide, then suggests copying the exact language of a measure into an AI chatbot and asking for a plain-English explanation.

— Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

If supply chain data were instead recorded systematically and key origin information carried forward with each transaction, much like financial accounting, companies wouldn’t have to reconstruct that trail later.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Another 28% use accounting and tax software to track their finances, and 26% manage their day-to-day books but hire a professional at tax time.

— Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful—don't expect any pretense here, just genuine (and enjoyable) engagement.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Tom’s frugality also lured Nancy into the business on the pretense of spending more time together.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

But unlike Backrooms, SCP Foundation has always been more centralized to this one website, and every subsequent SCP Foundation work has always fallen under the guise of the Creative Commons license, something the Backrooms creepypasta never did.

— Brian Welk, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
As critics such as Antonio Candido have remarked, regionalism was at bottom an attempt to render Latin American reality in its dominant rural guise.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

The timing raised questions about the city’s justification for limiting firefighters’ raises.

— Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Velchik said that the government never said that the ban was solely about national security, citing another justification that the outlets failed to meet minimal journalistic standards of professionalism.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

An argument made a fortiori gives an even more convincing reason than one that has already been accepted.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026
But Hill admitted to shoving his wife Keeta Vaccaro, 30, against the wall during an argument inside their Sunny Isles condo.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of argument

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rationalization

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“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalization. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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