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

About a month later, the Review’s opinions page published two responses, each taking aim at her rationale.

— Jesse Dougherty, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Workers began to disassemble the Shapiro work, titled Blue, on Tuesday; the Kennedy Center has not stated a rationale for why the 24-foot-tall sculpture of a stick-figure-like person was taken away.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

Using that relationship, Epstein had posed as a talent scout for the brand, luring young women to his hotel room under the pretext of auditions.

— Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
The findings of the second report — which reviewed pretext stops by officers from other units in January — are expected to be presented at an upcoming commission meeting.

— Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

Fans want to go inside, so just telling viewers the terms along with a one-line explanation goes a long way.

— Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
The documents provide explanations of the company’s advertising and privacy practices, as well as members’ rights and controls.

— Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

But the goal here isn’t to do a full accounting of Engelbert’s missteps.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
The money question At the heart of the players’ strategic offensive is a high-stakes debate over tournament accounting and overall compensation.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Using the pretense of a documentary film crew, the show follows the excruciatingly dull workday experiences of a paper supply company in a drab office in a bleak industrial estate in Slough, England.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
Behind closed doors, Chloe gets hired by Melody under the pretense that Chloe is helping her teacher’s illiterate husband learn how to read.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 27 Aug. 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

The administration’s justification for these orders is a statute that allows the Department of Energy (DOE) to declare an emergency in the case of wartime or a sudden shortfall in generation.

— John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
Although the declaration is more symbolic than a justification for emergency powers, Lurie used the announcement to lay out his support for a package of policies to reform the city's housing crisis.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

Researchers discuss results, challenge assumptions, simplify arguments, and connect discoveries with earlier work.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
As has been discussed in the comments, Tyra did not return as a judge after that argument with Law earlier in the season.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of argument

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rationality

rationalization

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“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalization. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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