1
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act
she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in motive
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
a firm belief that we are here on earth to help others is the reason for her tireless volunteer work
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood?
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result
what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in sense
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
you'll need to use all of your reason to get out of this tight spot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in mind
the normal or healthy condition of the mental abilities
was afraid that with all the stress he was under, he'd lose all reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in reasoning
the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems
in a time of national crisis we need to listen to the voice of reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information
she reasoned that since all of the cakes were on sale for the same price, she might as well pick the biggest one
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
he tried to reason that no one in their right mind would buy his brother's old video games, but they were put on the online auction anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reason
Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025
But during the flight, officials opted to skip the complex maneuver for safety reasons.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
The new puzzles are more complex than those from 2019, sometimes requiring the application of multiple rules, reasoning for multiple steps, or interpreting symbols.
—Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
While the incumbents gave various reasons for stepping down, the increasing polarization and hostility around issues in the city, in some ways mirroring national trends, are discouraging them from staying any longer.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2025
But during the flight, officials opted to skip the complex maneuver for safety reasons.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
Later, coach Andy Reid reasoned that the gesture was a sign of love and support for Rice rather than protest of the league’s punishment.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
The new puzzles are more complex than those from 2019, sometimes requiring the application of multiple rules, reasoning for multiple steps, or interpreting symbols.
—Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
But there's a very reasonable explanation for why, During her Monday night visit to The Tonight Show, Swift played a chaotic game of four lies and a truth with host Jimmy Fallon.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Critics argue that these emergency rulings—often issued without a full briefing or detailed explanation—risk solidifying major policy shifts before courts can assess their legality.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
His criticism was rooted in the right’s effort to blame the left, and trans people more specifically, for the shooting before the public knew anything about the potential motive of the shooter.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
9 Oct. 2025
-
An investigation into the motive for the murder-for-hire plot continues, Railsback said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Though still watchable well into middle age, DiCaprio is no longer, on his own, an excuse to visit the cinema.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
-
This franchise, this regime, these coaches, these players have officially run out of excuses, and our patience.—
Omar Kelly
October 3,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The identities of the two boys and their cause of death were not immediately released, but foul play is not suspected, according to WFAA.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Currently, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Growing up, and well into my early adulthood, my grandma was my best friend—a person who fostered a sense of confidence in me, loved me unconditionally, and gave me the best taste in everything nostalgic from her younger years.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The final finished 14-14, but my abiding memory is the intoxicating swirl of noise and colour created by almost 93,000 fans, plus the sense of anticipation that accompanied the pre-match walk up Olympic Way.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Whether the Jedi mind trick played a role Sunday is hard to quantify, but the message was obvious.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
But housing was also on the minds of the organizers.—
Ashley Hiruko,
ProPublica,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Another issue the Club takes with the Jefferies note is the reasoning behind the downgrade.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
After the parties address Combs’ impending sentence, Judge Subramanian will seal his fate at the end of the hearing and likely explain the reasoning behind his decision.—
Kara Scannell,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Laughter from the crowd breaks the tension of what could have been understood as metaphor for Netanyahu’s actions.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Plenty of Nashvillians can probably understand the Maxwell House coffee brand’s recent marketing move.—
Austin Hornbostel,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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