Thesaurus results for RATIONALIZES

rationalizes

verb

present tense third-person singular of rationalize

as in explains

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 rationalizes But as another voter rationalizes, the sheer size of the ballot will do more harm than good in the long run. —

Devon Ivie, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026 True crime, as a genre, rationalizes its exploitations—people’s tragedies and traumas, recast for popular consumption—by couching the sensationalism in considerations of justice. —

Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026 One pattern rationalizes exploitation and disguises harm as the price of progress. —

Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026 Sole rationalizes that Nike faces a much tougher competitive landscape. —

Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalizes

Verb

Aubrey explains that discussing difficult topics openly has become a central part of the podcast’s purpose, particularly when those topics are often avoided in everyday conversation.

— Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Advertisement Travers explains that this has consequences for the whole of British politics, as its parliamentary system is not designed to host a wide range of parties.

— Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2026