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

The divergence shows that buyers have become more selective while remaining willing to make significant bets when the strategic rationale is strong.

— Rusty Wiley, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
The six-justice majority did not explain its rationale for the decision.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

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
Some analysts believe the investigation could give the administration a pretext to fire Michael Barr, the Fed official who was in charge of bank supervision in 2023.

— Matt Peterson, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

His doctors offer neurological explanations, but identifying a change in the insula does not settle what that change means to the person living through it.

— Zain Khalid, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
If something goes wrong and the customer has to chase someone down for an explanation, the problem becomes bigger than the original mistake.

— Levi King, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of explanation

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

Just a few months later, in February 2003—a month before the invasion—Secretary of State Colin Powell presented a dramatic case to the United Nations, citing mobile weapons labs and hidden stockpiles of WMDs as justification for war.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
However, a federal judge temporarily restored the outlets’ access and said the administration had offered little support for its national-security justification.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Browse Nearby Words

rationality

rationalization

rationalizations

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“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalization. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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