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 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 Two at-odds facts can both be true, and all of us are susceptible to arrogance and self-serving rationalization. — Carol Quillen, Time, 21 Feb. 2026 Whether that’s a reality or a rationalization will only be known once the hire materializes. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalization

Noun

Senra found a small budget spread across 35 different shows with no coherent rationale for any of them.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2026
In the majority opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts explained the constitutional rationale behind the decision.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

Cook, who has remained in the post while the case plays out, called the allegations a pretext to oust her over monetary policy differences.

— Will Dunham, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Moscow has long portrayed UPA fighters as murderers and Nazi collaborators, and has accused Zelenskyy of being an heir to this legacy, falsely claiming that his government is overrun by Nazis as a pretext for its full-scale invasion.

— Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 June 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

The county’s accounting staff said the abrupt change in travel plans came from the office of Anthony Rodriguez, chair of the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 July 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 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

Democratic leadership cited the ongoing war on Iran as the primary justification for delaying the bill’s progress.

— Julia Gledhill, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
The core issue now is control of the Strait of Hormuz, which wasn’t even part of the original justification for war.

— Robin Wright, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

Because the most common objection to the argument turns out to be the argument's best evidence.

— Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
An independent committee investigating the cause of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades heard arguments on how improper practices that evaded regulatory oversight turned a small fire into a tragedy as the case neared its conclusion Friday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of argument

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“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalization. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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