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

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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

Jeff’s worries, Rogers explains to the camera after seeing his young friend off, are different from the worry that one’s parents might separate.

— Jean Garnett, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Saliers further explains that the essential tremor has impacted the way the duo can perform some of their most notable harmonies.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026