as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act
the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rationale
His rationale is simple: Allowing Nvidia to compete with China’s champion, Huawei Technologies Co., on its own turf is essential to America winning the AI race.
—
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 July 2025
The same rationale was offered in opposition of the anti-DEI proposals.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Even though Stanway’s recovery had gone very well, the rationale was not to rush her back.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 12 July 2025
But it doesn’t get very thoroughly explored in Kermani’s screenplay, which teases with occult aspects that become red herrings, then doesn’t provide the alternative rationale of quasi-religious hysteria much definition, either.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 July 2025
The same rationale was offered in opposition of the anti-DEI proposals.
—Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Even though Stanway’s recovery had gone very well, the rationale was not to rush her back.
—Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 12 July 2025
But it doesn’t get very thoroughly explored in Kermani’s screenplay, which teases with occult aspects that become red herrings, then doesn’t provide the alternative rationale of quasi-religious hysteria much definition, either.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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On the other hand, vague explanations or rigid policies may suggest pay inequities, poor planning, or a top-down management structure.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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Most questions are multiple-choice, but some seek explanations.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 July 2025
Noun
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The administration maintains that the naysayers are wrong, and alas, there is indeed reason to suspect the official narrative of financial experts.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
25 July 2025
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Part of the reason for their refusal, the OP claims, is that this wasn't the first time they had been asked for the same favor — and had a different outcome.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In his ruling Thursday, Sabraw said the government did not prevail on any of those arguments.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
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Authorities claim the series of assaults began when Wayne, the 43-year-old owner of Sons of Ink tattoo parlor, was driving his employee to her home in Queens and the two got into an argument, culminating in Wayne kicking her out of the car on the Grand Central Parkway in Queens.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
People.com,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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