REASONS Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

reasons 1 of 2

noun

Definition of reasons next

plural of reason

as in explanations

a statement given to explain a belief or act she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in motives

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

as in excuses

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in causes

someone or something responsible for a result what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reasons

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of reason

as in derives

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

as in argues

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 reasons

Noun

There are other reasons for sending the frigates, however. —

Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026 One of the reasons for prices higher than neighboring states is the Illinois practice of applying sales taxes to the cost of gasoline after the motor fuel tax is charged to motorists. —

Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 But Gorelick and others say violent crimes are a complicated phenomena, and the reasons behind them cannot be simplified or reduced to one thing. —

Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026 There are lots of different reasons, including the expectation from the fans and an inability to break teams down. —

Beren Cross, New York Times, 11 May 2026 But Albuquerque is special for a variety of reasons. —

AFAR Media, 11 May 2026 These Vionic Uptown Loafers get a gold star for many reasons. —

Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 For many, that includes more time outdoors, either exercising or just spending time in nature for mental health reasons. —

Garrett Downs,gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 11 May 2026 Sharon had submitted a dozen couplets about the virtues of stay-at-home motherhood, as well as a rhyming list of reasons to believe in God. —

Literary Hub, 11 May 2026

Verb

The system reasons underneath, processing infinitely complex 3D scenarios, handling trade clashes, regulations and tradeoffs - learning from user feedback over time to eliminate the need for users to supervise its intelligence. —

Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reasons

Noun

No need for explanations and convincing.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Experts stress that there are a variety of possible earthly explanations for such observations, from advanced drone technology to software bugs and instrument issues.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 8 May 2026