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
3
as in excuse
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 cause
someone or something responsible for a result
what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in sense
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
you'll need to use all of your reason to get out of this tight spot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in mind
the normal or healthy condition of the mental abilities
was afraid that with all the stress he was under, he'd lose all reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in reasoning
the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems
in a time of national crisis we need to listen to the voice of reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
2
as in to argue
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 reason
Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
And that’s one of the reasons why with him and Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are only a win away from a repeat trip to the Western Conference finals.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
In March, Baidu released two new AI models , one of which has reasoning capabilities that the company said rival DeepSeek’s R1 model.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
One of the chief reasons Weinstein’s 2020 conviction in the initial trial was scrapped on appeal was the prosecution’s parade of Molineux witnesses—a lineup of three women recounting prior bad acts of Weinstein’s, all claims of assault, but none of them criminally charged.
—Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
And that’s one of the reasons why with him and Edwards at the helm, the Timberwolves are only a win away from a repeat trip to the Western Conference finals.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Verb
There were nearly 40 years between the first two Beetlejuice movies, and while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the Big Fish director reasoned that another extended wait would probably prevent him from helming a third movie.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 10 May 2025
In March, Baidu released two new AI models , one of which has reasoning capabilities that the company said rival DeepSeek’s R1 model.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
In the absence of an official explanation, theories have filled the void in a case that has spurred true crime podcasts and plenty of speculation, including the suggestion Kohberger was trying to impress an old professor by getting away with murder.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Betty doesn’t volunteer an explanation and Laura doesn’t ask.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
One student remains hospitalized almost five months after the shooting, police said Police determined the teen shooter had an obsession with mass violence, school shootings, and weapons, though a clear motive might never be revealed.—
Jared Ochacher,
CBS News,
8 May 2025
-
Authorities said this week that a motive in the shooting is unclear, according to the outlets.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Get Together Just Because Birthday parties, holidays, and graduation parties might claim much of your summer calendar, but these days, the trend is to find new excuses to get together.—
Kristine Gill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 May 2025
-
With its savory pantry sauce, this dish fits into my favorite genre of weeknight cooking: sauce + veg + protein + an excuse to fire up my Zojirushi.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
The Oceanside Police Department is actively investigating the cause of the crash, per the Oceanside Fire Department.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
9 May 2025
-
Take a night run or rock on to support good causes, go to a block party, have a scary good time, listen to heroic tunes or shop local at a farmers market.—
John Coffren,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
There have been comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but none make much sense.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
What's on Kourtney Kardashian Barker's mind right now?—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
17 May 2025
-
To my mind, the Caesars Palace Times Square proposal is the best option to ensure that sense of security and help the Crossroads of the World thrive.—
Duane Jackson,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
This notice must include the employer’s specific reasoning for the decision and documentation of the individualized assessment that led to it.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
Clyde cited taxes on firearm purchases as part of his reasoning.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
To understand what’s at stake amid the NNSA’s workforce woes, USA TODAY interviewed current and former agency officials and reviewed decades of watchdog reports, safety records and other official documents.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
The realtor also pulled permits to help determine a timeline of events to understand when some of the damage occurred.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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