rationalizes

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

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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalizes
Verb
  • Odds of getting shares were worse than one in five thousand, which explains pretty loudly why the stock popped so much on launch.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Here, The Athletic explains the latest situation in terms of both outgoings and incomings at St James’ Park.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Trust drives value, value justifies investment and investment flows toward the function that protects it.
    Paul M. Wilson, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Usually a hypothesis justifies the data collected, rather than the reverse.
    Jennifer D. Oliva, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026

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“Rationalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizes. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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