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
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Recent Examples of rationalized
In 2023, the Eagles were 4-0 (and eventually 10-1), and their issues were often rationalized by pointing to the record.
—
Zach Berman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Since then, many on the right have celebrated the move and rationalized it one way or another.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Researchers also highlight the role of brain processes, such as the frontal lobe’s ability to organize and justify events in how secrecy is rationalized and maintained.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Through that prism, the Robinson trade could be rationalized.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Zach Berman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Since then, many on the right have celebrated the move and rationalized it one way or another.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Researchers also highlight the role of brain processes, such as the frontal lobe’s ability to organize and justify events in how secrecy is rationalized and maintained.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Through that prism, the Robinson trade could be rationalized.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalized
Verb
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The Athletic recently explained UEFA’s primary two financial regulations — the football-earnings rule and the squad-cost rule.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Bhavya Lal, a Professor of Policy Analysis with RAND School of Public Policy and a former NASA associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy, explained in an interview with SpaceNews.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Those numbers do not include killings that CMPD found to be justified self-defense.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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The justices will weigh whether Louisiana’s 2024 redistricting plan, which added a second majority-Black district, violates the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause or is justified under the Voting Rights Act.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalized. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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