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
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Recent Examples of rationalizes
But since neo-Brandeisian thought rejects economics as a pseudo-science that rationalizes the desires of capital owners, that objection carries little weight.
—
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
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
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
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
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
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
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The combination probably explains the excessive growth, turning the water surface an opaque green and preventing onlookers from seeing the new blue hue of the concrete basin.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
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Leus explains that the INXS tune was important to the filmmakers and encapsulated the relationship between Jo and Raissa.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Investors gradually stop asking what the business is worth and begin assuming that quality itself justifies any price.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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The teams will also detail specific marine architecture demands and execute an extensive financial evaluation to confirm whether the cost per kilowatt justifies continued development.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rationalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizes. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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