RATIONALIZATION Synonyms: 20 Similar Words

rationalization

noun

Definition of rationalization

as in rationale

Related Words

Relevance

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 Although the government later claimed national security concerns, attorneys for the outlets said that was a post-ban rationalization, violating their due process rights. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 The words could sound somewhat pathetic, like a drunk man’s sad, self-soothing rationalization. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 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 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalization

Noun

Well, the English language market is certainly growing, and that was also one of the rationales of the merger deal between All3Media and Banijay.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
The claims paying organizations that are best prepared to navigate this evolving environment will be those that combine uniform eligibility review, defensible payment rationales, dispute tracking and outcome analysis into a single cohesive process.

— Christine Cooper, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

When Washington in May designated Brazil’s two largest criminal factions, the First Capital Command and the Red Command, as terrorist organizations, Lula warned the labels could become a pretext for American intervention.

— Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Even so, the government abruptly downed hundreds of trees on the course with little warning earlier this month, which critics worry was a pretext for beginning renovations.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

The likelier explanation, Seth said, is that the models have absorbed a great deal of information about how humans describe and respond to pain and are reproducing it.

— Shae Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
When two upcoming shows in Chicago were canceled without explanation, Hall released a statement.

— Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

Kathy Gill-Charest, EVP, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer, will lead global controllership, including accounting, financial reporting and internal controls for all divisions.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
Amortization – a financial accounting tool to spread out the timing of expenses – will help Fox limit the financial hit if Milwaukee wraps things up in five games, the report argues.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Shirley has since visited other states in the US under similar pretenses, showing up unannounced to grocery stores and hospice centers in search of evidence of fraud.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026
The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

The guise of a youthful flush In those early episodes, Cathy’s makeup had to mirror her hair’s equally nonthreatening appearance, so a fresh, skin-first look was important.

— Katie Gunderman, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
Under his guise of Guy With a Movie Camera, he’s been hired by studios and streamers to help promote their projects with his particular brand of BTS content.

— Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

Harbaugh won't use injuries as an excuse, just as coach Sean McVay won't point to missing Garrett for five games and Donald for two as justification for the Rams' woes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Stewart was an executive producer of his friend Colbert’s show and harshly criticized the cancellation, rejecting Paramount’s financial justification and accusing the company of bending the knee to the president.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

The Brookings paper makes the same argument in academic terms.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Both local governments filed their briefs to the Supreme Court this week, emphasizing their arguments that the bans are lawful because the AR-15 and similar weapons are not ordinary firearms.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of argument

Browse Nearby Words

rationality

rationalization

rationalizations

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalization. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rationalization

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes