rationalized

past tense of rationalize
as in explained
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

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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 rationalized Through that prism, the Robinson trade could be rationalized. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalized
Verb
  • Green then explained the medical and industrial applications for these new knits.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Her therapist – who Heming Willis accidentally referred to her as her own caregiver – explained how normal these feelings were.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Anytime there’s a federal budgetary surplus (which sounds laughable), Congress may conclude that past lawmakers have overtaxed their constituents such that a prompt return of the excess revenue is justified.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Prosecutors said that seemed to be aimed at finding jurors who would be open to an argument that an attack on the presidential candidate was justified.
    Greg Allen, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rationalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalized. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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