rationalizes

present tense third-person singular of rationalize
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

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 rationalizes But since neo-Brandeisian thought rejects economics as a pseudo-science that rationalizes the desires of capital owners, that objection carries little weight. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026 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 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
  • Maybe that explains her chaotic behavior when the crew goes out later that night.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • Deputy Ethan Weinzieri explains just some of the work the dogs do.
    Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The good news is that the actual print quality largely justifies the inconvenience.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026
  • Listing, pricing, shipping and storage all take time, so selling is worth it when the payoff justifies the work.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rationalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizes. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rationalizes

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster