RATIONALIZATION Synonyms: 20 Similar Words

rationalization

noun

Definition of rationalization

as in rationale

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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 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 On the Waterfront is, of course, a legendary film, but today it is considered by many to be a rationalization for Kazan collaborating with HUAC, not just a good crime picture with Marlon Brando. — Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalization

Noun

Nor was there any attempt to explain the rationale for going to war to the American public.

— Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026
That's part of the rationale behind the new Recover Elements – Destroy Undesirables – Create Energy (REDUCE) project.

— David Szondy August 22, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

Conservationists and some state officials contend the move is a pretext for commercial development that will harm wildlife habitats and water quality.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2026
During the voyage, the report alleged that Caruso separated the boy from his parents for at least an hour under the pretext of getting ice cream.

— Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

Another explanation is that there could be changes over time in diagnosis and reporting, or there could be other biological factors underlying why this condition appears to be increasing.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
But the rise of 7-on-7 is a valid explanation for Chicago’s quarterback boom.

— Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

George Newcomb, who is serving as interim CFO, will continue in his role as controller and chief accounting officer.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
The going concern disclosure is based on a forward-looking technical accounting analysis which considers only funding that has been unconditionally secured as of the date of the assessment.

— CBS Chicago Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Every horror series at some point has to reset — to drop the pretense that the audience knows or remembers its world, its characters, and its rules, and to start anew with characters who need everything explained to them.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

That isn’t justification to bypass the same requirement the residents already demanded.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
By portraying white people as under attack or unfairly displaced, these narratives transform social change into a story of persecution and provide a powerful justification for political mobilization.

— Art Jipson, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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