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

Examples 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

But even in this game with their first-choice defence there were reasons to be concerned. —

Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 For You, Too An additional reason for elevating your chicken soup with lemon rather than other acidic ingredients is the health benefits. —

Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2024

Verb

The cost of reason But in terms of reasoning abilities, the big beast at the moment is OpenAI and its o1 series of models, which take a very different approach to the problem. —

David Meyer, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024 In identifying irreparable harm, Corker reasoned that athletes have a limited window of time to negotiate NIL deals. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reason

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason

Noun

The lack of explanation left us a bit mystified by most of the courses.

Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024
Still, the Selzer poll’s more than 16-percentage-point miss was wide enough that the pollster conceded she had been troubled by it and had racked her brain for explanations.

James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024