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
Relevance
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 rationalize
After years spent diversifying its low-end components and moving electronics down from the high end to the middle of its range, Shimano has finally decided to rationalize everything.
—
ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
At first, these moments can feel easy to rationalize.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026
And time and again, high fuel prices have been the most powerful catalyst for change, separating the winners and forcing weaker players to rationalize, consolidate or be eliminated, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on an earnings call last week.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
Investment was strategy – a key obligation to deliver on the business plan that would rationalize our valuation.
—Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
At first, these moments can feel easy to rationalize.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026
And time and again, high fuel prices have been the most powerful catalyst for change, separating the winners and forcing weaker players to rationalize, consolidate or be eliminated, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on an earnings call last week.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
Investment was strategy – a key obligation to deliver on the business plan that would rationalize our valuation.
—Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize
Verb
-
This line, Cook had tried to explain to the islanders, was a boundary they were not allowed to cross.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Tim Allen, who stars with the actress on Shifting Gears, explained how her new job will affect her time on the ABC sitcom's third season.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
In my view, a push by Metcalf does not justify a deadly response unless the push was an attempt to push someone off a subway platform.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
15 June 2026
-
SpaceX lost nearly $5 billion in 2025 and the blockbuster IPO has sparked debate over whether the company's huge valuation is justified.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalize. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
