rationalizing

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalizing
Verb
  • Shapiro even alluded to that fact when explaining his optimism that a deal will get done.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Establishing how that golden age came about is easier than explaining the years of scarcity that followed.
    Rory Smith, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Reminds [me] also of the aggressors' narratives for justifying many other military interventions, occupations, and annexations in world history.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
  • On the other hand, proponents assert that a deep and competitive conference naturally improves the quality of its member teams, thereby justifying this approach.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
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.

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“Rationalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizing. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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