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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalization

Noun

Jassy explained their rationale methodically, walking us through the lifecycle step by step.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Still, pointing at newly rising roster-compensation costs will serve as the rationale as to why this is happening now.

— Jason Kirk, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

In doing so, the judge said the subpoenas were merely a pretext to pressure Powell to lower interest rates.

— Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026
The complaint alleges Penske and Boehly secretly engineered the 2022 boycott of the Globes to devalue the organization, then used it as pretext to acquire the awards show and its charitable assets.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

ChatGPT Work speeds up and structures the close, but doesn’t replace the underlying accounting system or a controller’s sign-off.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Fowler, who led the Atlanta tax division of the former accounting firm Arthur Andersen and served as chairman of the PATH Foundation board for 25 years, died July 27 in Sea Island, Georgia, from complications of multiple sclerosis.

— Adrianne Murchison, AJC.com, 5 Aug. 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

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 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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