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

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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
Bake Time: 1 hr 5 mins Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Servings: 8 Jump to Nutrition Facts Onions are having a moment, and for good reason. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025 Students can avoid getting the shot for medical and religious reasons. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
Clarke also reasoned that case precedent in the Southern District of New York is clear. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Mar. 2025 Likewise, the judge reasoned that Motorsport had no duty to update Innovate. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
  • The economists run through various explanations for the productivity surge and then knock down most of them.
    Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Exaggerated achievements or vague explanations about past roles are warning signs.
    Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a letter distributed by the Shin Bet, Bar dismissed the claim and said the motives behind his firing were baseless.
    Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Deputies did not say whether Rosario and Covarrubias knew each other or provide a motive for the unprovoked assault.
    Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Luckily, Rag & Bone’s hidden sale on Gilt, a low-key site with discounts on designer finds, is a great excuse to start a spring closet cleanout.
    Melony Forcier, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Now, with all this money invested in his side of the ball — with more to come in the draft — the reasonable excuses will vanish.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The cause of the capsizing is under investigation, the Coast Guard said.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 22 Mar. 2025
  • While his cause of death was not immediately announced, Parton's post said that he would be laid to rest in a private ceremony with immediate family attending.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Migraine With Aura About 25% of people with migraines experience an aura, a temporary, reversible change in their senses.
    Janelle McSwiggin, MSN, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Rather than surprising the audience with the plane crash that sets off Death’s design, each iteration of the script opens with a sense of foreboding that something is wrong.
    Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But with the criticism that canceling long-running shows attracts front and center of its mind, the corporation has already said that its investment in Scottish drama will rise to more than £95M cumulatively between 2026 and 2028, an average of at least £30M per year.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Also important to keep in mind: always file your extension electronically.
    Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than learning general principles about online media, civic online reasoning teaches students specific skills for evaluating information about politics and social issues.
    Lightning Jay, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Google also updated its Gemini models with more reasoning capabilities late last year, and Anthropic introduced a hybrid reasoning model called Claude 3.7 Sonnet in February.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Pure understands enterprise storage administrators and the overall enterprise data landscape.
    Matt Kimball, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • However, some of the following need to be considered to keep therapy ethical for all, regardless of the length of sessions: Clear Scope & Limitations: Clients must understand that micro-therapy is not a substitute for traditional therapy, particularly for deep trauma work.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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