as in explains
to give the reason for or cause of
rationalized his decision to buy the new car by noting that it was more fuel efficient than his old vehicle
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Recent Examples of rationalizes
But as another voter rationalizes, the sheer size of the ballot will do more harm than good in the long run.
—
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
True crime, as a genre, rationalizes its exploitations—people’s tragedies and traumas, recast for popular consumption—by couching the sensationalism in considerations of justice.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026
One pattern rationalizes exploitation and disguises harm as the price of progress.
—Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Sole rationalizes that Nike faces a much tougher competitive landscape.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
True crime, as a genre, rationalizes its exploitations—people’s tragedies and traumas, recast for popular consumption—by couching the sensationalism in considerations of justice.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2026
One pattern rationalizes exploitation and disguises harm as the price of progress.
—Valerie L. Myers, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2026
Sole rationalizes that Nike faces a much tougher competitive landscape.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalizes
Verb
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Mike Jones of The Athletic explains why the lack of top-tier quarterback prospects beyond Fernando Mendoza limits the intrigue typically expected of NFL drafts.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
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Each mural is accompanied by a link to the project’s website, which explains its mission and provides background on and pictures of each plant species featured in the murals.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The bulls claim that trend justifies today’s valuations, and that EPS can keep rolling in double-digits while national income trudges at a nominal 5% or so.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
19 Apr. 2026
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For those willing to make the trip, the standard of care justifies every mile.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rationalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizes. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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