rationalized

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

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 rationalized Through that prism, the Robinson trade could be rationalized. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalized
Verb
  • For those viewers questioning why Kendra Licari virtually harassed her own daughter, the answer is not made entirely clear in the documentary, Borgman explained in the interview.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Courtney Crown, senior media specialist at the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), explained there are no penalties in place for school districts that fail to report employee injury data.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An investigation found that the officer's shooting was justified.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Although its valuation of 10x trailing revenue looks steep, it is justified by the company’s track record.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalized. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rationalized

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!