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
Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
The National Institute of Standards and Technology would lose $350 million for similar reasons.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Some defended the husband's choice, reasoning that the placement made sense in its own way.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
In the film, Louis-Dreyfus’ villainous character has positioned a number of MCU loners and rejects to kill each other for her own nefarious reasons.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
The National Institute of Standards and Technology would lose $350 million for similar reasons.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
Verb
Read the full Scorpio Daily Horoscope Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Trying to reason your way out of a jam?
—Usa Today, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Some defended the husband's choice, reasoning that the placement made sense in its own way.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
After a brief explanation of the challenge and its purpose, the group will hike in Lyonia Preserve and submit photos that will be used to document the biodiversity of Volusia County.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Tariff rates have been altered without any clear explanation for the changes.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The motive is obvious: give third-year quarterback Bryce Young as many weapons as possible while hoping the 2023 No. 1 pick continues to revive his career after an awful rookie season and last year’s benching.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
His assailant ran off and a motive for the attack still isn’t clear as police continue searching for the suspect.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
And certainly, the Tampa Bay Rays aren’t making any excuses.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
But their excuse for giving us protein every day is to give us beans almost every day.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Police said the identity of the individual remains unknown and the cause of death is pending determination by the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2025
-
At this time, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it has yet to be determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In a sense, this ichor functioned like a power source or electricity, circulating through the robot’s bronze limbs and fueling his movements and actions.—
Sofia Giannuzzi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In this sense, Biden’s brand of post-neoliberalism fed the body but not the soul.—
Jennifer M. Harris,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Trust in Trump’s economy slips, new poll finds Many Americans voted with their wallets front of mind during the 2024 presidential election.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Here's what to keep in mind when storing your fresh bread on the counter.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The stakes are too high for systems that lack real-time reasoning and full contextual comprehension.—
Tarun Eldho Alias,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Aside from economic realities facing the entire industry in this moment, in a time of contraction, the reasoning behind the cuts hasn’t been made clear.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Trump administration takes aim at climate change The Trump administration is continuing to pursue its pledge to prioritize American energy independence and scale back the federal government's plans to understand and prevent climate change.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Long train trips were designed for those who understand the old adage of appreciating the journey, not just the destination.—
Ellen Carpenter,
AFAR Media,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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