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
Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
But part of the reason appears financial — with Washington now effectively controlling Venezuelan oil shipments and blocking the crude that once flowed to Cuba, Caracas can no longer pay for Havana’s services, sources said.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
In reasoning training, study participants worked on the ability to solve problems that follow a serial pattern, like identifying the pattern in a letter or number series.
—Akshay Syal, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
The model has flourished in Israel for a mix of cultural and practical reasons.
—Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
But part of the reason appears financial — with Washington now effectively controlling Venezuelan oil shipments and blocking the crude that once flowed to Cuba, Caracas can no longer pay for Havana’s services, sources said.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
This hybrid method allows robots to reason in ways that better reflect real-world environments.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
In reasoning training, study participants worked on the ability to solve problems that follow a serial pattern, like identifying the pattern in a letter or number series.
—Akshay Syal, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
The moody Moon and wary Chiron trine across your talkative 3rd house and your convivial 11th house, guiding your explanations of complex issues.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Do not rely on verbal explanations alone.—
Peter S. Sachs,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite these developments, investigators have no leading theory about a motive, according to a source.—
Randi Kaye,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
-
A lot of conflict is projection, tone guessed, motives assumed, threat inferred where there’s only ambiguity.—
Adam Dietz,
Big Think,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There’s no excuse not to keep your toiletries organized when this Eddie Bauer Voyager Kit costs just $5 at Marshall’s.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The rain was gone, and so was her last excuse.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The condition is a leading cause of preventable death, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.—
Kathleen Felton,
Washington Post,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The county medical examiner was investigating the cause of death.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The couple said their now 15-year-old daughter is slowly rebuilding her sense of safety.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
-
And there’s a sense of urgency that people feel to get back into life, do things right, and be more present.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Get clarity on a key point in your own mind.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Feb. 2026
-
That concept isn’t out of sight, out of mind.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The administrative changes outlined in the memo — set to be heard by the council March 10 — ramp up requirements for California police agencies, including documenting detailed reasoning for a data request.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Musk later released a statement to clarify his reasoning.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Avtar apparently had difficulty understanding the man and, by phone, called another man who lives at the temple to help translate, Deep said.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The documents are not organized to help readers understand their context.—
Amy Wallace,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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