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 None of this makes any sense, except as desperate rationalizations from a man who cannot face facts and admit defeat. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 16 June 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 That may have been persuasive to some partners before, but this administration’s penchant for both threats and use of force has fatally undermined the credibility of that rationalization. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026 Although the Mughals mainly incorporated the existing Indian revenue system, Akbar’s reign also saw the rationalization of revenue administration, notably under the Hindu minister Todar Mal, with systematic land measurement and assessment that balanced imperial income with agrarian stability. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalization

Noun

One rationale was that Michigan quarterback Dennis Franklin broke his collarbone late in the Ohio State game, but Schembechler didn’t buy it.

— The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
While the Fed’s action was expected, the rationale behind the hike was unusual.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

Preserving the family farm has been a pretext for passing ever larger exemptions to the estate tax, to the point that a married couple can now pass on $30 million to heirs tax-free.

— Eric Zwick, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Given this expanding electronic kit bag, various stakeholders—from government agencies to local police, under the pretext of public safety—perpetuate the systemized encroachment on citizens’ private worlds.

— David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

But overall the topicality is vague, as is the explanation for why this was an eight-episode project (other than that eight sideways is infinity).

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
Reimbursement for travel can be granted under state regulation if there’s a reasonable explanation that an in-person appointment is needed.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

This is where financial risk control measures, such as internal monitoring of accounting activities and openly communicating with stakeholders, are key.

— Shawn L. Davenport, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
The accounting giant recently debuted its new 102,000-square-foot office at Ten Twenty Spring in Midtown, occupying three floors in one of the city’s newest workplace towers.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Cinematic pretense and the kinds political leaders and media personalities use to sell ideas are often one and the same.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
For one season, before recovery and routine returned, the players stripped away all pretense and showed their hearts and willpower.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

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
Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

In a filing this week, Beatty’s team alleged that the center was citing the ceiling damage as justification for closure, but pointed out that a similar problem in 1977 was addressed without shutting down the center.

— Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
Frimpong also referenced cases in which immigration officers offered justifications for an arrest that did not match evidence from the scene.

— Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

Dyson is hardly a stranger to powerful cleaning gear, and taking $100 off makes this one much easier to consider if your current vacuum, or even your trusty Roomba, is losing the daily argument with fur, crumbs, and dirt.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
Police in Brockton, Massachusetts, said he was accused of grabbing his wife by the throat and throwing her into a dresser during an argument.

— Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of argument

Browse Nearby Words

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“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalization. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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