Thesaurus results for RATIONALIZE

rationalize

verb

ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of rationalize And Roark identified the danger himself, in his own attempts to rationalize why machine learning would single out him, of all people. —

Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026 How do the Tigers rationalize their filing number? —

Jim Bowden, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 One pattern rationalizes exploitation and disguises harm as the price of progress. —

Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026 Democrats and Republicans seek to punish misdeeds by the other side but rationalize them for their own. —

Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize

Verb

Whitwam explains that Catalina mule deer hunting was traditionally reserved for island residents and their guests, or hunters who were willing to book with a local guide.

— Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs argued Brady’s role as a sports network broadcaster — not just a Patriots icon — explains his neutral stance.

— Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026