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

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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

There are a lot of caveats that education reporter Martha Dalton explains neatly for us.

— Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
All of that perhaps explains why Rodgers, who grew up in an evangelical Christian environment, may have rejected his family for a time.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of explains

Verb

This can only reliably be achieved through a disciplined approach to governance that enables organizations not only to think big about AI, but to operationalize it in a way that justifies their efforts and investments.

— Chris Dimitriadis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
All that cash keeps many of FIFA’s member federations running, and Infantino justifies his nonprofit’s relentless commercial pursuits on the basis that the proceeds go toward growing the game globally.

— Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026

Definition of justifies

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“Rationalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizes. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalizes

verb

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