reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing ˈrēz-niŋ 

ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ

1

: the use of reason

especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason

2

: an instance of the use of reason : argument

Synonyms of reasoning

• logic
• reason

Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

Could you explain your reasoning?

They told everyone the reasoning behind the decision.

a conclusion based on fallacious reasoning

Humans possess the power of reasoning.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the terminator model has caught on, plenty of other ways of thinking about the sun exist—some of them with more physics reasoning underlying them. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2025

Adjustments were only made when expert assessments and rankings didn’t align and only when the reasoning could be verified. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025

Given the flimsy reasoning behind the CDC’s rebuttal, Gill’s cases could easily be among the 10 deaths that the FDA is now touting. —Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

Geffon ultimately sided with McManis and the LoBue family, but cited different legal reasoning, contending that what the prosecution and Chatman’s attorneys were asking for was essentially a pre-conviction plea deal that was mismatched with the current post-conviction status of the case. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reasoning

• line of reasoning

Rhymes for reasoning

• seasoning

Kids Definition

reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing

1

: the use of reason

2

: the reasons used in and the proofs that result from thought : argument