REASON Synonyms: 262 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reason 1 of 2

noun

ˈrē-zᵊn

Definition of reason next

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

Relevance

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

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as in excuse

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood?

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as in cause

someone or something responsible for a result what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sense

the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems you'll need to use all of your reason to get out of this tight spot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mind

the normal or healthy condition of the mental abilities was afraid that with all the stress he was under, he'd lose all reason

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reasoning

the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems in a time of national crisis we need to listen to the voice of reason

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reason

2 of 2

verb

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

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as in to argue

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration he tried to reason that no one in their right mind would buy his brother's old video games, but they were put on the online auction anyway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The reason for the delay, says Goswell, was due to Lush’s lack of experience with electronics. —

Victoria Turk, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2025 That’s one reason why in recent years, military help at the border has been limited to more passive forms of assistance, such as surveillance and transportation. —

Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025

Verb

Because South Florida is built on layers of sand and porous limestone, the authors reasoned that these vibrations could have compressed or rearranged sand – much like shaking ground coffee in a tin creates more space. —

Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 Johnson argued that there should be, reasoning that state and local officials showed incompetence in their response. —

Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reason

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason

Noun

Lynch leaves behind a body of work that defies explanation yet demands exploration, ensuring audiences will return to them again and again, captivated and confounded.

— Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
There were no noted dissents, although Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch gave their own explanations for why the law should be upheld.

— Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025