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

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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

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as in excuses

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

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as in causes

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

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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

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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

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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

But those shootarounds can be canceled for any number of reasons, including if the game is the second in consecutive nights, or if the team is in the middle of a tough stretch of travel or practiced the day before. —

Joe Vardon, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026 The spa There’s a solid spa here that’s always cooking up new reasons to visit. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026 Share a bold idea with a mentor, then take a clear first step, even if certain aspects of your plan must wait for timing or budget reasons. —

Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 Apr. 2026 That project was among the reasons for the four-year lag time between the second and third seasons. —

G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Apr. 2026 The reasons stated were geopolitical and philosophical. —

Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026 Officers said for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a tree. —

Tim Fang, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 With those reasons in mind, Tolchin filed a federal lawsuit against DHS on March 10 seeking Estrada Juarez’s return. —

Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026 One of the reasons American troops would be vulnerable on Kharg Island is its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from which missiles, drones and artillery could be fired. —

ABC News, 31 Mar. 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

Here are three, with accompanying explanations.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
In her very few interviews or explanations for the new album, Mitski has talked about how cats are often popularly identified as girls, and associated with unapologetic independence — two traits that can become demonized when they’re paired up.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026