RATIONALIZATIONS Synonyms: 21 Similar Words

rationalizations

noun

plural of rationalization

as in pretexts

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalizations

Noun

Pages and pages have been written on this passage, seeking out its ideological subtext, its historical context and its intellectual pretexts in classical and early modern thought.

— New York Times, New York Times, 9 June 2026
The Kremlin is making false accusations that could be used in the future as pretexts for military attacks.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Definition of pretexts

Noun

For Mary Kay, the latter of these rationales seems to have been clothed in the guise of the former, though the precise catalyst for establishing her own outfit remains indeterminate.

— Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
Americans heard much more forthright rationales from generals involved in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

— Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Definition of rationales

Noun

Hegseth, who appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee to request an additional $67 billion in funding, was pressed by Democrats to be more transparent about the war's war's progress, goals, strategies and justifications.

— Mary Bruce, ABC News, 22 July 2026
All of these excuses and explanations and justifications are wrong, and missing the point.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of justifications

Noun

Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Alex Kian told jurors during closing arguments that Dominguez chose to attack his victims, repeatedly stab them and flee afterward.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
As the battle for grass fields escalates, the lawyer in me can’t resist sharing the arguments for and against switching entirely to grass.

— Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of arguments

Noun

The reasons why the world is turning up its nose at oil are complex.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
For a variety of reasons, three intriguing All-Stars — the Colorado Rockies’ Hunter Goodman, Athletics’ Shea Langeliers and Baltimore Orioles switch-hitter Adley Rutschman — are less likely to move.

— Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of reasons

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“Rationalizations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizations. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalizations

noun

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