1
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act
she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in excuse
an explanation that frees one from fault or blame
what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood?
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result
what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in sense
the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems
you'll need to use all of your reason to get out of this tight spot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in mind
the normal or healthy condition of the mental abilities
was afraid that with all the stress he was under, he'd lose all reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in reasoning
the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems
in a time of national crisis we need to listen to the voice of reason
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
2
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
he tried to reason that no one in their right mind would buy his brother's old video games, but they were put on the online auction anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reason
Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
While many celebrities are embracing color this season, Wilde’s outfit serves as a reminder that an all-black moment remains fashion’s most reliable fallback and a classic style for a reason.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 16 June 2026
Anjana Susarla, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
The term used here is Agentic AI, defined as capable of reasoning over enterprise data, performing complex workflow tasks automatically and integrating with other systems of record to perform specific tasks.
—Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reason
Noun
Although reasons were not given for the decline in physical activity, side effects from taking GLP-1 medications — like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — have been reported, which could limit a patient's ability and motivation to move around.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
While many celebrities are embracing color this season, Wilde’s outfit serves as a reminder that an all-black moment remains fashion’s most reliable fallback and a classic style for a reason.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 16 June 2026
Verb
In industry parlance, a frontier model is a new, cutting edge AI model trained on massive amounts of data that can reason and autonomously use tools to initiate actions.
—Anjana Susarla, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
The term used here is Agentic AI, defined as capable of reasoning over enterprise data, performing complex workflow tasks automatically and integrating with other systems of record to perform specific tasks.
—Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
-
The explanation is easy and politically convenient.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
These pics need no explanation!—
Sean Joseph OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
But so far no suspect has been identified, and police haven’t even disclosed a motive.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
16 June 2026
-
On top of doggedly tracking a serial killer whose murder spree started decades earlier, our shrewd heroine uncovers a tangled workplace conspiracy that's as sinister as her prime suspect's motives.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Immigration advocates and lawyers said the hurricane season is just an excuse and not the real reason why the detainees have been transferred.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
-
While player welfare is a real concern with temperatures expected to exceed 90 F (32 C) in the hottest World Cup venues, some say the hydration breaks are just an excuse for broadcasters to go to commercials in the middle of the game.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Suresh was a devoted pet mom and donated to animal causes, according to social media.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
-
Investigators have not determined the man's cause of death, but say it was possibly related to a medical condition.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The restaurant, which has held its Michelin star for more than 20 years—no small feat in the finicky world of fine dining—continues to draw diners with seasonal course menus, shaped by local suppliers and produce from the estate gardens, as well as its service and sense of occasion.—
Lindsay Cohn,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
-
In the case of the Kiawah Island home, that meant breaking with period convention and lining the view side with window walls, and incorporating a variety of ceiling treatments to help define living spaces (and introduce a sense of scale) within the open plan.—
Fred Albert,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
-
Give your quick mind a private outlet by journaling feelings about spending, then decide on a simple boundary around a tempting add‑on.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Trysta Krick and Jay Croucher discuss the World Cup odds for best player of the tournament, and Croucher shares his reasoning behind liking France's Kylian Mbappé (+900) best for the award.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
However, please consider our reasoning.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Hughton, whose father is from Accra, understands the frustration of a fanbase starved of success for so long.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
In cosmology itself, there has been quite a bit of progress in the past five years to develop the theoretical techniques to understand these three-dimensional data that have been gathered by new devices….—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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