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
As was the case in 1994, most of the claims that were used to rationalize these horrors were grounded in misinformation, outright lies, and racist fantasies.
—
Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
In turn, e-commerce companies began reducing their footprint, and other industrial companies started rationalizing their Covid expansions.
—David Marino, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
His friend Enyedi was on hand to reassure and to rationalize the jury process.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
He’s even rationalized the switch by conjuring up an original concept in his mind.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationalize 
Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
In turn, e-commerce companies began reducing their footprint, and other industrial companies started rationalizing their Covid expansions.
—David Marino, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
His friend Enyedi was on hand to reassure and to rationalize the jury process.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024
He’s even rationalized the switch by conjuring up an original concept in his mind.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationalize
Thesaurus Entries Near rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalize. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
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