as in to explain
to give the reason for or cause of
rationalized his decision to buy the new car by noting that it was more fuel efficient than his old vehicle
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Recent Examples of rationalize
For each, the gallery is a stage set, its proportions rationalized by Goulds.
—
Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
If preventing human extinction is the ultimate good, virtually any present sacrifice can and should be rationalized.
—John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
The judges rationalized that any special consideration for minors ended when the U.S. Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade and the Florida Supreme Court followed suit.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
The amount of time and effort Erdogan has spent defending and rationalizing the criminal case against Imamoglu reveals his frustration and anxiety.
—Henri J. Barkey, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
If preventing human extinction is the ultimate good, virtually any present sacrifice can and should be rationalized.
—John Kaag, The Atlantic, 28 May 2025
The judges rationalized that any special consideration for minors ended when the U.S. Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade and the Florida Supreme Court followed suit.
—Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
The amount of time and effort Erdogan has spent defending and rationalizing the criminal case against Imamoglu reveals his frustration and anxiety.
—Henri J. Barkey, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize
Verb
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Bochy explained his mentality amid the Rangers’ struggles at the plate.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 June 2025
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On Wednesday evening, Bluesky reinstated the account and issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the suspension.—
Peter Suciu,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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This pattern suggests potential sensitivity to macroeconomic shocks. LLY Valuation Sensitivity: The company’s elevated multiple, while justified by growth prospects, creates vulnerability to any disappointment in execution or market sentiment shifts.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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In the show’s April 15 premiere, Jax strives to justify his actions in a confessional interview.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalize. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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