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
The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Kidman listed their date of separation as the date of filing and cited irreconcilable differences as reason for the split.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
The new puzzles are more complex than those from 2019, sometimes requiring the application of multiple rules, reasoning for multiple steps, or interpreting symbols.
—Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
But to start, the Golden Knights enter the season with one of the best chances of going all the way — and Marner is a big reason why.
—The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Kidman listed their date of separation as the date of filing and cited irreconcilable differences as reason for the split.
—Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Later, coach Andy Reid reasoned that the gesture was a sign of love and support for Rice rather than protest of the league’s punishment.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
The new puzzles are more complex than those from 2019, sometimes requiring the application of multiple rules, reasoning for multiple steps, or interpreting symbols.
—Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
Abramov points out that this does not disprove the Mars life explanation, but rather just presents an alternative, albeit much more probable, explanation for the evidence.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The Taliban has not yet given an explanation for its decision to implement the wider blackout this week.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Authorities have arrested Douglas Irwin Shaw, 41, on suspicion of murder, though the Vallejo Police Department has not declared a motive or clarified whether the two knew each other.—
Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
As police investigate the motive for the deadly shooting attack, metro Detroit law enforcement is stepping up security at houses of worship.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Though still watchable well into middle age, DiCaprio is no longer, on his own, an excuse to visit the cinema.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
-
This franchise, this regime, these coaches, these players have officially run out of excuses, and our patience.—
Omar Kelly
October 3,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, behind lung cancer, although death rates have been decreasing over the last three decades.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Nobody wants to be seen by voters as the cause of a shutdown that will leave many federal workers without pay and some services closed.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Your goals can determine the type of account that makes the most sense.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
For a generation living in great uncertainty—from the GFC to COVID to cost-of-living pressures—Trump’s disruptive appeal offers both a protest and a sense of control.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Whether the Jedi mind trick played a role Sunday is hard to quantify, but the message was obvious.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
But housing was also on the minds of the organizers.—
Ashley Hiruko,
ProPublica,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Another issue the Club takes with the Jefferies note is the reasoning behind the downgrade.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
After the parties address Combs’ impending sentence, Judge Subramanian will seal his fate at the end of the hearing and likely explain the reasoning behind his decision.—
Kara Scannell,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Laughter from the crowd breaks the tension of what could have been understood as metaphor for Netanyahu’s actions.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Plenty of Nashvillians can probably understand the Maxwell House coffee brand’s recent marketing move.—
Austin Hornbostel,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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