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 The rationalization is that residents are struggling and need help paying for food, electricity and gasoline. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rationalization

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalization

Noun

Nor was there any attempt to explain the rationale for going to war to the American public.

— Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026
That's part of the rationale behind the new Recover Elements – Destroy Undesirables – Create Energy (REDUCE) project.

— David Szondy August 22, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of rationale

Noun

The president has also attempted to add new voter-ID requirements to vote this year, moves his opponents say are a pretext to undermine election results and restrict voter access.

— Garrett Downs, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
Conservationists and some state officials contend the move is a pretext for commercial development that will harm wildlife habitats and water quality.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretext

Noun

The labs are concentrating on making models better at marketable skills, like legal work and accounting.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Under the policy revisions currently under consideration, PROs would be mandated to meet requirements related to organizational ability for collection, financial capacity, electronic data management and accounting.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of accounting

Noun

Every horror series at some point has to reset — to drop the pretense that the audience knows or remembers its world, its characters, and its rules, and to start anew with characters who need everything explained to them.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
With their traditional, legacy rivals — the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur — in various guises of transition, Arsenal are suddenly the team to beat and the Emirates is suddenly a library of sound; noise please.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of guise

Noun

This turns into a big argument about Issa being a weird little guy, and suddenly there are multiple potential roommate schisms in the house.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Computer science emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the following decades, when the research traditions of math and engineering came together, and arguments about the nature of the new field soon followed.

— Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of argument

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rationalization

rationalizations

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

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Synonyms of rationalization

noun

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