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
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Recent Examples of rationalize
This internal battle keeps them stuck, rationalizing mistreatment in an attempt to hold onto the relationship.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Defenders of the president’s policy either deny the tariffs-to-stocks relationship, or rationalize the market correction on the grounds that this trade war will lead to some fantastical renaissance of U.S. manufacturing activity.
—Ryan Ellis, National Review, 13 Mar. 2025
Mountaineers have tried to rationalize their obsession with scaling peaks for centuries.
—Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
Harrods has also optimized its profitability by rationalizing sizing across its clothing offer.
—Esade Business & Law School, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Defenders of the president’s policy either deny the tariffs-to-stocks relationship, or rationalize the market correction on the grounds that this trade war will lead to some fantastical renaissance of U.S. manufacturing activity.
—Ryan Ellis, National Review, 13 Mar. 2025
Mountaineers have tried to rationalize their obsession with scaling peaks for centuries.
—Sean McNally, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2025
Harrods has also optimized its profitability by rationalizing sizing across its clothing offer.
—Esade Business & Law School, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalize. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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