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

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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

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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
Saturday, two plays didn’t work out for them for the slimmest of reasons. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025 But rose water nails are currently enjoying a revival and flooding our FYPs for a couple of very good reasons. Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 13 July 2025
Verb
Astronomers and mathematicians reasoned that if Newton’s laws are true, there must be some missing matter – another massive object – out there tugging on Uranus. Samantha Thompson, Space.com, 7 July 2025 If a company has the ability to drive growing earnings over the long term, investors will eventually recognize the success and bid up the stock price, Buffett reasoned in his 1987 letter to Berkshire shareholders. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
  • But this conventional view overlooks a more important explanation.
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Thankfully, there was an entirely logical explanation, which Christain was only too happy to provide.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Elizabeth Warren questioned the motives behind CBS’ decision.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2025
  • So too does the motive of one person radiate outward, rippling in a space of sociopolitical relevance.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • The Turkish leader has also used the 2016 coup attempt against him as an excuse to pull apart the rule of law and any vestiges of institutional governance in Turkey.
    Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But that's absolutely no excuse, because intent doesn't excuse ignorance.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Such easy overlap between juror and filmmaker speaks to a wider festival goal toward building a real sense of community within the genre world.
    Ben Croll, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Other migrant families have found the same sense of stability in the city of nearly 2 million inhabitants.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Keep in mind that buckwheat can cause allergic reactions in certain people (especially in Asian countries), particularly if eaten frequently or in large amounts.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Moreover, Kremlin insiders suspect that the 50-day window before any new US sanctions hit is plenty of time for their military push in Ukraine to pay off – or, failing that, for a notoriously changeable President Trump to change his mind on Russia once again.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • That includes the parts of the brain involved in impulse control and higher-order cognition, such as learning and reasoning and decision-making.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Your governance framework should mandate that agents can articulate their reasoning, provide confidence scores and maintain audit trails.
    Chris Willis, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • But then appeared on the road a living creature whose intent my driver could not understand: a cow.
    Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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