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 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

And notably, the rationale for more security is a result of the court’s own decisions to enable easy access to guns.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026
Working with reporters, Beltrán explained, was only part of his rationale.

— Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

On Tuesday, Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni called for calm, saying some protestors used Fakir’s death as a pretext for violence.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
That era involved small cliques of devs talking a big game about decentralization (which often provided a pretext for no accountability) while shilling tokens at all turns.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

Did anyone else think Andriy and Bobby’s explanation of what happened in the workroom felt patchy too?

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
An exploded sunfish spread out in the water in thousands of pieces is certainly easier to share, offering another possible explanation for this practice.

— Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 July 2026

Definition of explanation

Noun

Brennan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2019 with a major in accounting and information systems and worked in public accounting as an auditor and consultant.

— Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 22 July 2026
There’s a multiyear global shortage of accounting talent; Deloitte notes a wave of retirements in recent years and declining numbers of new accounting students.

— Megan Weis, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Everything else is pretense; the diplomat is pretense; the Hand of the King, there’s a level of pretense; Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, there’s a level of pretense.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
When Moore finally abandons the pretense and focuses in earnest on his presidential ambitions, the damage to Maryland will be incalculable and likely irreparable.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 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

Those targeted for elimination are often starved of resources, forced to operate on bare-bones budgets until the neglect feeds the very justification for their closure.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026
Margins are tight, investment justification is hard and operators are measured on today's sales, today's inventory and today's competition.

— Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of justification

Noun

Many experts acknowledge there are legitimate arguments for using cloning in conservation, and for gene selection in farming.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Final efforts to spare his life After Andres’ death verdict, several Death Row inmates sung Andres’ praises in his Spencer hearing, where his attorneys presented final arguments in the hopes of saving Andres from the death penalty.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 24 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rationalization

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on rationalization

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

parochial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

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

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes