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 So far Versace has gone through a rationalization of its network with the closure of 10 stores. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 On the company’s earnings call, Celsius Chairman and CEO John Fieldly cited a product rationalization program and deliberate pause in innovation as main reasons for the shortfall. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 7 Aug. 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

And the third risk is that this is going to be used as some sort of pretext to try to seize ballots or interfere after the election is over.

— Miles Parks, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
Batie-Smoose alleges the university used the accusations as a pretext and enforced its rules differently against her than against Kress.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 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

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
And the idea that yakuza were on the side of the common man was rarely anything more than a pretense.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

In street-legal guise, the original Shelby Cobra 427 S/C MKIII comprised a run of only 31 examples in period.

— Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026
In the novel, likewise, the narrator assumes an almost Homeric guise, comparing current harbor gossip to chatter from the Phoenician, Cretan, Greek, and Roman eras.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 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

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rationality

rationalization

rationalizations

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“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalization. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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