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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
But Matheson pointed out that there was a lack of documentary evidence that that was the rationale for the purchase.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
The economic rationale for such investments is compelling.
—Rami Harajli, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Plaintiffs’ counsel offered a brief rationale in their motion to approve the deal, asserting that the CFP is an affiliated entity of the defendants, which include the NCAA and the quintet of athletic conferences formerly known as the Power Five.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Indeed, in addition to the moral basis for maintaining restraint and limiting civilian harm in war, there is an equally powerful strategic rationale.
—Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
The economic rationale for such investments is compelling.
—Rami Harajli, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Plaintiffs’ counsel offered a brief rationale in their motion to approve the deal, asserting that the CFP is an affiliated entity of the defendants, which include the NCAA and the quintet of athletic conferences formerly known as the Power Five.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Indeed, in addition to the moral basis for maintaining restraint and limiting civilian harm in war, there is an equally powerful strategic rationale.
—Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
-
After a brief explanation of the challenge and its purpose, the group will hike in Lyonia Preserve and submit photos that will be used to document the biodiversity of Volusia County.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Tariff rates have been altered without any clear explanation for the changes.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam.—
Henry Chappell,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Gregory, who became known as Gregory the Great, had reasons to advance such an argument.—
Eliza Griswold,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Combs’ defense team made arguments for delaying the trial up to two months, but the judge was not swayed.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share