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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Examples 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 rationale
Automakers and manufacturers said the risks from the issue were exceedingly small, questioning the agency's analysis and rationale for seeking a recall.
—
David Shepardson, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024
Presumably this is the rationale behind the second pillar of AUKUS, which explores deepening collaboration on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber capabilities, and hypersonic weapons.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024
Washington’s support for Tel Aviv was one of Osama bin Laden’s three stated rationales for declaring jihad against the U.S.
—Rosemary Kelanic, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Under this rationale, the United States could ban a foreign newspaper or a book published in another country from being available in this country because it is seen as undermining democracy.
—Erwin Chemerinsky, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationale 
David Shepardson, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024
Presumably this is the rationale behind the second pillar of AUKUS, which explores deepening collaboration on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber capabilities, and hypersonic weapons.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024
Washington’s support for Tel Aviv was one of Osama bin Laden’s three stated rationales for declaring jihad against the U.S.
—Rosemary Kelanic, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Under this rationale, the United States could ban a foreign newspaper or a book published in another country from being available in this country because it is seen as undermining democracy.
—Erwin Chemerinsky, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
-
The meteorological explanation is summarized in the graphic below.Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
-
One photo showed the couple holing mugs proclaiming the best parents ever, and the last slide needed an explanation.Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to outgoing President Biden and first lady Jill, all are expected to attend except for Michelle Obama, who is skipping the event for unknown reasons.Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2025
-
The Dodgers have long been seen as a top contender for Sasaki, a hard-throwing starter who had a career 2.10 ERA in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, for myriad reasons.Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Despite all the good arguments against biogas, for the industry, there’s no limit to its growth potential.Kenny Torrella, Vox, 13 Jan. 2025
-
Though Woodall's suit filed Friday contains numerous allegations about the first Moana film, the substance of his argument focuses on the sequel released in November 2024.Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near rationale
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share