reason 1 of 2

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as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in motive
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing a firm belief that we are here on earth to help others is the reason for her tireless volunteer work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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reason

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information she reasoned that since all of the cakes were on sale for the same price, she might as well pick the biggest one

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word reason different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reason are cogitate, deliberate, reflect, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When is it sensible to use cogitate instead of reason?

The meanings of cogitate and reason largely overlap; however, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to reason?

The synonyms deliberate and reason are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

When is reflect a more appropriate choice than reason?

The words reflect and reason can be used in similar contexts, but reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

When can speculate be used instead of reason?

The words speculate and reason are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When would think be a good substitute for reason?

Although the words think and reason have much in common, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

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 reason
Noun
This is the land of baguettes, after all, and boulangeries are reason enough for making the trip to Paris. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025 The reasons for this are primarily down to the different thermal solutions installed on the two cards, and these will differ significantly from one model to the next--for both manufacturers alike, AMD and Nvidia. PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
Republicans were ready to blame them for a shutdown, reasoning that the bill had passed the House and had majority support in the Senate. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025 Sunflower seed butter, developers reasoned, would be a profitable use for a domestic crop while serving as an allergen-free alternative to peanut butter. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • These free, printable cards are available at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and display a brief explanation of citizen and non-citizen rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Officials are still investigating the attack and have not yet announced a motive.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Police have not released any information about a possible motive.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ignorance Ignorance is never an excuse for poor governance.
    Committee of 200, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The injury crisis became a convenient excuse for a team already playing quite badly.
    The View from the Lane, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • There is currently no information on the containment of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • No cause of the blast has yet to be determined, said Keith Holloway, NTSB spokesman, but a government felt a full investigation was warranted.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That has always been part of the Trumpist package of maybe not ideas in the sense of grand philosophies but certainly cultural ideas.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • His sharp sense of storytelling and visionary approach to content has consistently set him apart as a true leader.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The more Tropper thought about it, the more one actor appeared in his mind for Coop: Jon Hamm.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Price upon publish date of this article: $780 What to Look for in a Crossbody Phone Bag Special features: When shopping for a crossbody phone bag, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • So, there is a tradeoff between costs and complexity from an agent perspective when comparing deep reasoning versus agentic workflows.
    Jason Andersen, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Graterol is on the injured list and has not played this season, so perhaps that was his reasoning.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In Congress, Trump’s Tariff Pullback Sparks Relief, Frustration, and Suspicion At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt scolded reporters for not understanding the president’s plans.
    Time, Time, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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