reason

1 a statement given to explain a belief or act she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior Synonyms of reason account, accounting, argument, case, explanation, rationale Words Related to reason alibi, apologia, apology, defense, excuse, justification, vindication; appeal, plea; guise, pretense (or pretence), pretext, rationalization

2 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 of reason account, authority, grounds, motive, subject, wherefore, why Words Related to reason antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus

3 an explanation that frees one from fault or blame what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood? Synonyms of reason alibi, apology, defense, justification, plea, excuseWords Related to reason color, guise, pretense (or pretence), pretext, rationale, rationalization, vindication, whitewash; cop-out, out; acknowledgment (or acknowledgement), atonement, confession; extenuation, palliation

4 someone or something responsible for a result what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes? Synonyms of reason antecedent, causality, causation, occasion, causeWords Related to reason consideration, determinant, factor; alpha and omega, be-all and end-all; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, springNear Antonyms of reason ramification; denouement (also dénouement), repercussion; conclusion, end; by-product, side effect (also side reaction)Antonyms of reason aftereffect, aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot

5 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 of reason brain(s), brainpower, gray matter, headpiece, intellect, intellectuality, mentality, intelligence, sense, smartsWords Related to reason eggheadedness, highbrowism, intellectualism; braininess, brilliance; acumen, alertness, apprehension, astuteness, discernment, discriminability, insight, judgment (or judgement), perception, percipience, perspicacity; common sense, horse sense, mother wit; aptitude, talent; sagacity, sapience, wisdom, wit; head, mind, skullNear Antonyms of reason denseness, density, doltishness, dopiness, dullness (also dulness), dumbness, fatuity, feeblemindedness, foolishness, half-wittedness, idiocy, imbecility, senselessness, simpleness, slowness, stupidity

6 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 of reason daylights, head, marbles, mind, saneness, sanity, wit(s)Words Related to reason rationality, reasonableness, sense; health, healthfulness, healthiness, wholesomeness; clearheadedness, lucidity, lucidness, normalcy, normality, soundness; wisdomNear Antonyms of reason delusion, hallucination; delirium, frenzy, hysteriaAntonyms of reason dementia, derangement, insanity, lunacy, madness, mania, unreason

7 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 of reason intellection, ratiocination, logic, reasoning, senseWords Related to reason cogency, coherence, logicality, logicalness, rationality, rationalness; convincingness, persuasiveness; syllogism, synthesis; analysis, dissection; deduction, induction; argumentation, disputationNear Antonyms of reason illogic, incoherence; absurdity, brainlessness, insanity, irrationality, nonsensicalness, preposterousness, senselessness

1 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 of reason conclude, decide, deduce, derive, extrapolate, gather, judge, make out, infer, understandWords Related to reason assume, suppose; conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise; construe, interpret, read; contemplate, philosophize, rationalize, think; ascertain, dope (out), find out

2 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 of reason assert, contend, maintain, plead, argueWords Related to reason adduce, cite, mention; claim, insist; affirm, aver, avouch, avow; advance, give, offer, propose, submit; advise, counsel, recommend, suggest, urge; convince, persuade; advocate, champion, defend, enforce, espouse, support; explain, justify, rationalize; consider, debate, discuss; confute, counter, disprove, rebut, refute