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
Even if annual fees on premium credit cards continue to balloon and airlines continue to raise the threshold for elite status, both industries are wagering that travelers will rationalize those costs if the lounge experience is exclusive enough.
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AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025
In many cases, models rationalized larger bets after losses or winning streaks, even though the rules of the game made such choices statistically unwise.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
His successor will inherit a program that has lost any excuse that can be used to try to rationalize 15 years of mediocrity.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
This anxiety seems borne out of JPM's decision a little over a year ago to get ahead of the game and rationalize the following year's NII and expense expectations.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
AFAR Media, 23 Oct. 2025
In many cases, models rationalized larger bets after losses or winning streaks, even though the rules of the game made such choices statistically unwise.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
His successor will inherit a program that has lost any excuse that can be used to try to rationalize 15 years of mediocrity.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
This anxiety seems borne out of JPM's decision a little over a year ago to get ahead of the game and rationalize the following year's NII and expense expectations.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize
Verb
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Since proper vesicle recycling is crucial for brain communication, this mechanism could explain why patients experience diverse symptoms – from movement problems to memory loss – depending on which brain regions are affected first.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Nov. 2025
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Speaking on The Allison Hagendorf Show, Perry, the lead singer, explained just how the stars aligned for 4 Non Blondes to take the stage together once again.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Critics also question whether demand will continue to grow at a fast enough pace to justify the investment.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Some investors are also skeptical whether future profit growth will continue to justify the enormous amounts of spending taking place.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalize. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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