Thesaurus

reason

Q: How is the word 'reason' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reason are cogitate , deliberate , reflect , speculate , and think . While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reason stresses consecutive logical thinking. // able to reason brilliantly in debate

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cogitate' instead of 'reason'?

The meanings of cogitate and reason largely overlap; however, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking. // cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Q: Where would 'deliberate' be a reasonable alternative to 'reason'?

The synonyms deliberate and reason are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision. // the jury deliberated for five hours

Q: When is 'reflect' a more appropriate choice than 'reason'?

The words reflect and reason can be used in similar contexts, but reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind. // reflecting on fifty years of married life

Q: When can 'speculate' be used instead of 'reason'?

The words speculate and reason are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic. // speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

Q: When would 'think' be a good substitute for 'reason'?

Although the words think and reason have much in common, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions. // teaches students how to think

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of reason

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a statement given to explain a belief or act

she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior

Synonyms for reason

Words Related to reason

appeal,
plea

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 for reason

Words Related to reason

3 an explanation that frees one from fault or blame

what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood?

Synonyms for reason

Words Related to reason

cop-out,
out

4 someone or something responsible for a result

what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?

Synonyms for reason

Words Related to reason

Near Antonyms for reason

ramification

Antonyms for reason

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 for reason

Words Related to reason

Near Antonyms for reason

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 for reason

Words Related to reason

wisdom

Near Antonyms for reason

Antonyms for reason

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 for reason

Words Related to reason

Near Antonyms for reason

reason

verb

Synonyms of reason (Entry 2 of 2)

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 for reason

Words Related to reason

Phrases Synonymous with reason

draw a conclusion

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 for reason

Words Related to reason

claim,
insist

Frequently Asked Questions About reason

How is the word reason different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reason are cogitate, deliberate, reflect, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When is it sensible to use cogitate instead of reason?

The meanings of cogitate and reason largely overlap; however, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to reason?

The synonyms deliberate and reason are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

When is reflect a more appropriate choice than reason?

The words reflect and reason can be used in similar contexts, but reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

When can speculate be used instead of reason?

The words speculate and reason are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When would think be a good substitute for reason?

Although the words think and reason have much in common, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think