Synonyms of rationalized

rationalized

verb

past tense of rationalize

as in explained

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

• explained
• justified
• attributed
• accounted (for)
• condoned
• excused
• forgave
• explained away
• absolved
• exonerated
• vindicated
• acquitted
• exculpated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rationalized

Once it’s been rationalized and authorized by the government, even admired and cultivated as an expedient virtue, there’s no easy way to stop it. — David Shulman, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026

At a time when antisemitism is too often minimized, rationalized or repackaged in more socially acceptable language, this kind of moral clarity matters. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026

Jones’s ever more abusive and erratic behavior was ignored or rationalized by people who should have looked harder. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026

After decades of disappointing share price performance, Amanda Blanc rationalized Aviva to focus on just a few key areas of strength. — Ian King, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

These activists have rationalized Hamas’ terrorist attacks and embraced outright antisemitism. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026

Given the extent to which this entire offense is slumping, the manager could have rationalized benching any one of several hitters. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 May 2026

Of those seven losses, setbacks against Dallas and Chicago (while both were still trying to win) and Milwaukee could at least be rationalized. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

Each lie is rationalized as politics. — Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026