Thesaurus results for RATIONALIZE

rationalize

verb

ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz

Definition of rationalize

as in to explain

to give the reason for or cause of rationalized his decision to buy the new car by noting that it was more fuel efficient than his old vehicle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 rationalize But the notion of ends rationalizing the means is problematic on many levels, most of all because without boundaries and structure there is chaos, and few have the same means and leverage at their disposal. — Vahe Gregorian july 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026 Because the reality speeding toward the Golden State Warriors is just too sad to fully rationalize. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 These activists have rationalized Hamas’ terrorist attacks and embraced outright antisemitism. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026 The pope has fiercely criticized joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and rebuked world leaders for invoking religious language to rationalize war and voiced opposition to the administration’s immigration crackdown. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationalize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalize

Verb

Rasa is also using AI to draft the statements that get sent to court, explaining to the judge why the expungement should be approved.

— Andrea Hsu, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026
Malloy crisscrossed the state during his first few months in office, holding 17 town meetings to explain the fiscal ticking time bomb represented by unfunded pension obligations.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

Israel’s defense minister has justified the destruction as a strategic decision to remove any threat of Hezbollah.

— Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
However, with virtually the same design and battery life as its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 9 doesn't offer enough meaningful improvements to justify its higher starting price.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026