Synonyms of rationalizing

rationalizing

verb

present participle of rationalize

as in explaining

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

• explaining
• justifying
• attributing
• accounting (for)
• condoning
• excusing
• forgiving
• explaining away
• exonerating
• absolving
• vindicating
• exculpating
• acquitting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rationalizing

The offense was bad Saturday, and there’s no spin or rationalizing the performance. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Is there still unfinished business in rationalizing the excesses of the semiconductor surge, which formed the core of the momentum-stock frenzy? — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

But repeatedly rationalizing troubling information and warning signs is different. — Kathy Caprino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

But the notion of ends rationalizing the means is problematic on many levels, most of all because without boundaries and structure there is chaos, and few have the same means and leverage at their disposal. — Vahe Gregorian july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

As the show began to wrap up, Goldberg aimed to try to tie in the book, asking Vance about rationalizing his Catholic faith with a hard-line stance on immigration. — Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Instead of obsessively over-rationalizing or avoiding, try making friends with that feeling. — Goth Shakira contributing, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

While rationalizing deception is easy to do, developing the virtue of truthfulness is not. — Katherine Moses, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026

If there were a Mensa society for rationalizing one’s own shitty behavior, Pippa would be its president. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026