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 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

If enough people are angry at the greedy capitalists and find a rationale to blame them for their woes, the idea of socialism becomes more attractive.

— Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons later pressed Ludwig on his rationale for cutting the number of sites.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

Luigi Mangione is due in federal court today after both parties hastily called for an appearance earlier this week without any clear explanation.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
The same explanation has been offered as to why Riyadh Air, or another PIF company, does not just pour money into Newcastle through sponsorship deals.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

Anthropic is working with a carbon accounting and emissions disclosure platform, Watershed, to measure its company-wide footprint and to comply with the reporting requirements under the law, according to a company spokesperson.

— Olivia Raimonde, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
The investigations, according to The Wall Street Journal, started with a whistleblower complaint about accounting, but have spread to focus on investment in private credit, a lending business that helped finance Guggenheim’s Dodgers purchase.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Holden eagerly rebels against Pencey Prep, gets the boot, and flees to New York City, a place with its own vices and hazards, but without the sort of propaganda and pretense that obscure the school’s dark underside.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Johnson created the story of Nancy (Emilia Jones), who is not a girlfriend, but a crush who Bourdain foolhardily (and under false pretenses) follows to Provincetown after not getting a writing fellowship.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

Somewhere between a sandal and a ballet flat, caged silhouettes come in all manner of guises.

— Sarah Leigh Bannerman, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026
Everything from the division of the Peaches and the Plums to Shamea’s tagline this season is a secret cry from Shamea to Porsha, begging for attention under the guise of her own emancipation.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

When it’s finally revealed that there are monstrous beings at work, there’s little justification of what their goals are.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
An upbeat news report explains that rates of teen pregnancy are down, which is a very 1980s justification.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

Washington decidedthat the argument had already been won and stopped making it.

— James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Features like autoplay, infinite scroll and algorithmic content recommendations have been the prime targets of legal arguments that social media platforms are designed to be addictive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of argument

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 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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