1
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
2
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
3
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
4
as in causes
someone or something responsible for a result
what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of reasons
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
There are lots of reasons someone might not want a photo posted, ranging from it simply being an unflattering shot, to future employers Googling their name, through to hiding from an abusive ex or being in witness protection.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
After the essay went viral, sources around Tisdale French and her former mom group have shed light on the real reasons behind their falling-out.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The current policy for ICE and DHS agents outlines very narrow acceptable reasons for an officer to fire a weapon into a moving vehicle.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
But not all are for staunchly anti-vaccine reasons or even because of vaccine hesitancy, Thorpe said.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
The European countries that repealed their wealth taxes did so for varied reasons.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Additionally, 58 million Americans report being food insecure and having to go without food at least sometimes, due to affordability reasons, per the report.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Why Atlas stood out at CES 2026 CNET pointed to Atlas’ humanlike walking ability and refined industrial design as key reasons for the award.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
There are lots of reasons someone might not want a photo posted, ranging from it simply being an unflattering shot, to future employers Googling their name, through to hiding from an abusive ex or being in witness protection.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
After the essay went viral, sources around Tisdale French and her former mom group have shed light on the real reasons behind their falling-out.
—Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The current policy for ICE and DHS agents outlines very narrow acceptable reasons for an officer to fire a weapon into a moving vehicle.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
But not all are for staunchly anti-vaccine reasons or even because of vaccine hesitancy, Thorpe said.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
The European countries that repealed their wealth taxes did so for varied reasons.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Additionally, 58 million Americans report being food insecure and having to go without food at least sometimes, due to affordability reasons, per the report.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reasons
Noun
-
Like too many hack politicians, Wardlaw seems long on excuses and short on explanations.—
Robert Steinbuch,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Results appear in about 30 seconds along with clear explanations and recommendations.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Paying top executives in stock and options is a standard corporate practice to align their financial motives with shareholders.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Jan. 2026
-
But as the two-part mystery concludes, his true motives come into focus.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The excuses have more to do with political expediency and gas lobbying than reality.—
Anshul Gupta,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
There can be no excuses because the general team performance against mid-table Fulham had plenty in common with those that had gone before it.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The social cost of carbon is an economic metric used in climate policy to estimate the damages that a ton of carbon dioxide causes to humans today, Bastien-Olvera said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Ziering, a longtime car enthusiast and philanthropist, will guide viewers through the journey, spotlighting local stories and causes along the way.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Given that the city’s budget derives roughly three-quarters of its annual revenue from property taxes, that dynamic is shifting more of the city’s tax burden onto homeowners.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
In fact, the word alcohol derives from early distillation methods from the Arabic al-kuhul, a word for an ancient Egyptian dark eyeliner that was made using an early distillation technology in Alexandria.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The White House argues this video shows Ross was hit by Good's car.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The addition of those provisions, the lawsuit argues, violated a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that laws only deal with one subject.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The three-judge panel was dismissive of many of the arguments made by Peters' attorneys.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
But logical arguments won't change a person's mind unless the emotional foundation is also addressed.—
Gwen Faulkenberry,
Arkansas Online,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That includes not only explanations and justifications for the officers’ actions but also, where appropriate, apologies and commitments to correct any tactical or administrative problems that led to the loss of life.—
Laurence Miller,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
-
When boards pre-commit to a preferred outcome and then retrofit justifications for rejecting alternatives, the problem is not strategic disagreement.—
Mark DesJardine,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reasons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reasons. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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