reason 1 of 2

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
4
5
6
7

reason

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reason
Noun
The reason so many people feel off track when daylight savings time ends is because light has a profound effect on the circadian rhythm, the body’s natural 24-hour clock that dictates when one sleeps and wakes. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2025 Rensch describes the most painful moment of his time with the group as being when he was separated from his mother, with his future success at chess given as a main reason why that move was orchestrated. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
If Newman couldn’t have killed Scott, the police reasoned, perhaps his brother had. Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 Gooding reasoned that the law provides an answer to this twist. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
  • But the idea that Earhart ended up an island castaway is far from widely accepted, and another team of researchers is racing to close in on proof of an alternate explanation.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Scientists researched the phenomenon for decades without finding a logical explanation.
    Graham Averill, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Here are the major revelations from the interview and the leading theories about Wuornos’s motives.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
  • While the workers, in the trees, stay still, the bull’s looming, drifting presence gives frozen stillness an unambiguous motive and makes moments when people shift and even leap from branch to branch terrifyingly suspenseful.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Matt Baker says Florida coaches are out of excuses moving forward, Bruce Feldman breaks down the candidates to replace Napier and Chris Vannini has the pluses and minuses of the job.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Bills have draft capital to move, too, so there's really no excuse not to get something done.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The actress has been a lifelong supporter of liberal and progressive causes, from transgender rights to electing more women to political office.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Potential adversaries interpret political action in zero-sum terms; see malice and evil design in mere blunders and coincidence; trumpet necessity rather than navigate choice; and, in extreme cases, invent pretext or promise profit to make more palatable a dubious cause.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This, plus the ongoing calls among family members, maintains a powerful sense of human connection and love.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The move turned out to be a blessing for Harrison, who has felt a sense of relief since leaving the dating show.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Of the respondents, 30% said having a conversation about family health history had never crossed their minds and 20% said their families don't talk about health openly.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The future is at the forefront of your mind.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • According to the woman, her parents’ reasoning for denying her requests was rooted in a harsh lesson about independence.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • While no specific storyline explanation was given on the broadcast for their exclusion beyond Pearce barring them earlier in the night, the reasoning reported ties into a larger, long-term strategy WWE has for Breakker.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Of course, a reliable method for measuring a team’s performance is to use underlying metrics to understand the team’s process more than its outcomes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The clip then smash-cuts to a scene of Bruce as a child listening to his parents fight in the next room, and we’re meant to understand that the joy and power that steams off of the stage is a cure for the pain of childhood wounds.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on reason

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!