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
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help prevent cavities and tooth decay for a few reasons.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
For decades, astronomers have reasoned that a low abundance of H₂ early on resulted in hotter clouds whose internal pressure would be too hot to easily collapse into stars.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
This is all meant to be impenetrable to outsiders, which is one reason for the confusion that follows shootings such as the one in Minneapolis.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help prevent cavities and tooth decay for a few reasons.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
This damage, the researchers’ reasoned, could lead to changes in how sharks find and digest food.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
For decades, astronomers have reasoned that a low abundance of H₂ early on resulted in hotter clouds whose internal pressure would be too hot to easily collapse into stars.
—ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
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Study co-author Benjamin Proudfoot, an astronomer at the University of Central Florida, also thinks that a newfound satellite is the most likely explanation.—
Nola Taylor Tillman,
Space.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The materialist, physiological explanation for the phenomenon of panic generates a bright contrast with the philosophical and metaphysical inquiries that have Nicholas, and Clune, in their grip.—
Scott Stossel,
The Atlantic,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While the shooter's exact motive remains unknown, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota Joe Thompson said hatred aimed at everyone played a significant role.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Despite that confession, Kohberger has refused to publicly reveal his motive for stabbing the four young college students to death.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Investors don’t need another earnings call filled with excuses about macro headwinds when the rest of the industry is growing.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
To open flat is without excuse, given the setting.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Investigators will be relying heavily on the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner to identify the victim and to figure out the cause of death, police sources said.—
Alex Stone,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Don Lima, always a champion for civic causes, headed up the organization, which became the Italian American Heritage Foundation the following June.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Bryce Young has to be better After building up an immense sense of goodwill, locally and nationally, with his second-half performance from last year, Young essentially melted away in the Jacksonville heat.—
DIAMOND VENCES,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Giving people a greater sense of agency.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
When travelers think of luxurious travel, buses aren't necessarily top of mind.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Lonely nights and a racing mind spiraled him into a deep depression.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Regardless of the reasoning, there’s just something positive about the success of arguably the franchise’s three most important people.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
And while Wings went through a succession of different lineups over the years, the reasoning for members leaving is touched upon but only somewhat satisfactorily.—
Caleb Hammond,
IndieWire,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These measurements are fundamental to understanding how greenhouse gas emissions relate to rising temperatures, simultaneously contributing to scientific research and informing policymakers of compliance with environmental regulations.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
6 Sep. 2025
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If the marathons of New York and London showcase splendour and establishment and magnificence and size and place, then the Great North Run offers something else; to complete it, to witness it, is to understand its pull.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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