Definition of rationalenext
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep

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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 rationale If a company dumps toxic waste into a local river and your children get sick and die, there is no value lost, there are no damages, no liability—the ultimate rationale for Milton Friedman’s externalization of costs. Andrew Behar, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026 Hart described her rationale for starting up a local LifeWise program as coming from her own experience seeing behavioral issues as a substitute teacher. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 Parenteau, the law professor who helped write the Endangered Species Act exemption process, said the administration’s rationale in this current case isweak from a legal standpoint. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026 In an interview Tuesday morning on CNBC, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang explained the rationale behind the Marvell alliance. CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
  • Willick was not convinced by this explanation, noting that many graphic and upsetting stories had been shared from the bimah in the past two and a half years—stories about violence perpetrated by Hamas.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Braves manager Walt Weiss came out of the home dugout for an explanation.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • New romance is a reason to celebrate!
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The future of legal sports betting States that have not yet legalized sports betting may still see similar trends in financial insecurity for reasons beyond spillover effects.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Huskies coach ripped into the officiating during a live TV interview and then had a heated argument with Staley in the final seconds of their 62-48 loss to the Gamecocks.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The mayor cites recent data to support his arguments.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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