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

There are many reasons to be concerned about this particular Ebola outbreak. —

Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 Numerous Democratic officeholders raised questions about whether Colbert was axed for political reasons. —

Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 So, Americans have plenty of reasons to worry about their paychecks. —

Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 18 May 2026 Carefully consider both the external and internal size when shopping, but for different reasons. —

Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 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 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

Professional commentators tended to see these developments in so many local terms—turning, for their explanations, to national histories, cultures and institutions.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Today, entrepreneurs and managers can access explanations, frameworks, financial analysis, market research, strategy simulations, and operational guidance almost instantly.

— Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026