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

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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
The actor walked away from the show (and a lucrative contract) after five seasons for a number of reasons. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Oppo Reno 12 Pro for £395: There are a couple of reasons to consider the Reno 12 Pro: the camera and the battery life. Simon Hill, Wired News, 27 Mar. 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
  • The most likely explanation for the shooting involves Gaitok versus the thieves.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Melissa says Shauna creates drama and there’s an explanation for all of the things that have been happening to her.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 28 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
  • Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to snuggle with a blanket in the middle of a party? 27.
    Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Back in San Jose, Santana Row continues to beckon with new dining options and more excuses to pay for parking there.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 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
  • For one, there’s often an initial intoxicating sense of familiarity that quickly devolves into chaos and drama, something akin to love-at-first-sight that suddenly shifts into leave-me-alone.
    Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The 1960s ushered in debates about the constitutionality of the federal death penalty, due, in part, to a postwar sense of moral superiority.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Keep in mind that power lines that are laying on the ground may be live.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • If the issue isn’t fully resolved, take a break and return to it later with a clearer mind.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Their reasoning is that these products are poisoning Americans.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The Future Of Education is AI AI is reshaping education—moving us away from memorization toward reasoning, understanding, and critical thinking.
    Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • It was not understood that the artist, through rigorous pictorial research, was aiming to chart the history of the image of female genitalia in the history of art from the classical period onward.
    Paola Ugolini, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • At least conceptually, the Giants understand that the leap from 3-14 to Super Bowl contender cannot be made in a year.
    Howard Megdal, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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