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
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
Allison Palmer
july 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
When Fox News is booking you and covering you, might that be for the same reason Republican PACs spend to help progressive candidates?
—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
22 June 2026
Eventually, the United States reasoned that keeping prisoners of war in the United States would be an efficient use of military resources.
—
Helaine Williams,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
Audiologists generally recommend self-fitting over preset for that reason.
—
Allison Palmer
july 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2026
When Fox News is booking you and covering you, might that be for the same reason Republican PACs spend to help progressive candidates?
—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Verb
Plus, Wizards officials reason that Young, who will turn 28 years old in September, will remain in his prime years through the end of his contract.
—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
22 June 2026
Eventually, the United States reasoned that keeping prisoners of war in the United States would be an efficient use of military resources.
—
Helaine Williams,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
And most interestingly, her chyron identifies her as a Freelance Journalist with no further explanation.
-
Some explanations of bodily difference were obviously wrong, such as physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Rush’s conviction that the dark skin of African Americans was a disease, derived from leprosy.
Noun
-
Regardless of motive, the proposals that have come out of MLB’s New York headquarters have been vast and aggressive, and have landed with a thud in both clubhouses around the league, and with people who cover the sport for a living.
-
At the time, Igbinijesu's family said investigators told them the shooting appeared to be targeted, but police did not publicly disclose a possible motive.
Noun
-
There’s no excuse not to organize your pills for travel when this organizer is on sale for just $8.
-
The Fourth of July is, for many of us, a welcome excuse for barbecues, beach outings and fireworks — a holiday defined by gathering, but also some pretty ambitious eating and drinking too.
Noun
-
The ruling did not address whether there was enough cause to remove Cook, based on the fraud allegations brought forth by the administration.
-
Exertional heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and is the third leading cause of death in athletes.
Noun
-
Against that backdrop, some say the ships are offering a surprising sense of connection.
-
Since relocating to Los Angeles, Gonzalez’s small downtown team has scaled Happy Organics into a design-forward brand carried by major retailers, anchored in local maker communities and a sense of purpose.
Noun
-
Thousands of fans in Mexico lost their minds and shook the earth.
-
At the beach, maybe, at a barbecue or whatever place sets fireworks pinwheeling through your holiday-happy mind.
Noun
-
Companies serious about their workforce strategy are running structured assessments across decision-making, analytical reasoning and collaboration to find where capability gaps exist.
-
Sol also introduces a new maximum reasoning mode that gives the model more time to solve complex tasks.
Verb
-
These reports present your income and spending habits with clean, easy-to-understand visualizations.
-
Raised in Rio de Janeiro, Burle Marx understood the country’s abundance as both subject and material.
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
