reason 1 of 2

noun

ˈrē-zᵊn How to pronounce reason (audio)
Definition of reasonnext
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

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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

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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?

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4
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?

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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

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reason

2 of 2

verb

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

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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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reason different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reason are cogitate, deliberate, reflect, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When is it sensible to use cogitate instead of reason?

The meanings of cogitate and reason largely overlap; however, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to reason?

The synonyms deliberate and reason are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

When is reflect a more appropriate choice than reason?

The words reflect and reason can be used in similar contexts, but reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

When can speculate be used instead of reason?

The words speculate and reason are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When would think be a good substitute for reason?

Although the words think and reason have much in common, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

How is the word reason different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reason are cogitate, deliberate, reflect, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When is it sensible to use cogitate instead of reason?

The meanings of cogitate and reason largely overlap; however, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to reason?

The synonyms deliberate and reason are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

When is reflect a more appropriate choice than reason?

The words reflect and reason can be used in similar contexts, but reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

When can speculate be used instead of reason?

The words speculate and reason are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When would think be a good substitute for reason?

Although the words think and reason have much in common, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

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 reason
Noun
For some reason, this WBC has become a tidal wave of emotion for a lot of guys. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2026 That’s reason enough to back this bill. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
This is a form of reasoning typical to translators. —Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 Safety and reasoning transparency OpenAI also introduced a new safety evaluation focused on chain-of-thought reasoning, the step-by-step explanations models generate while solving problems. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
  1. explanation
  2. motive
  3. excuse
  4. cause
  5. sense
  6. mind
  7. reasoning
  8. understand
Noun
  • The county has also ignored requests for an explanation as to what harm would be caused by revealing those costs.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Byrne was also encouraged by management’s explanation that the reason for the increase in shallower zone allocation is the application of high-intensity completions, which improve well results and help expand Williston Middle inventory, an aspect that the company first highlighted in 2023.
    — TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of explanation
Noun
  • Details about what led up to the incident remain unclear, and police have not provided further information on possible motives or the circumstances surrounding the case.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • On her Drop Dead Serious podcast, Banfield spoke about the Sheriff’s comments about motive.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of motive
Noun
  • Spring has taken hold across Texas, with blooming flowers and budding trees signaling the season’s arrival — and giving families the perfect excuse to head out in search of scenic fields.
    — Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
  • This weekend, book lovers don't need to come up with excuses to visit their favorite local bookstores, adding new books to their ever-growing bookshelves (and TBR pile).
    — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of excuse
Noun
  • Nam said the cause was not immediately known, but the blaze appeared to have spread rapidly, with witnesses reporting an explosion.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • What the data show—and what everyone has seen with our own eyes—is what we social scientists call a psychogenic epidemic, a phenomenon that causes tremendous suffering but has no organic cause, meaning the onset is social or psychological, not biological.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of cause
Noun
  • Some of the messages of support seemed motivated by a sense of friendship, or at least celebrity-class solidarity.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • For some, the fact that she was left out makes no sense.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of sense
Noun
  • Just keep in mind that orders shipping from overseas may take a little longer to arrive and are subject to tariffs.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Naturally, Farke was not about to reveal his hand in a press conference, but explained what will go through his mind ahead of Saturday evening.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of mind
Noun
  • The reasoning has nothing to do with dumbbells or treadmills, though.
    — Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Cummings explained part of his reasoning was that he had already been convicted of other crimes, including burglaries, while Broadnax had no criminal record other than a charge pertaining to marijuana possession.
    — Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of reasoning
Verb
  • But Heidner also had problems understanding how state government functions.
    — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Additionally, Fitbit will soon let those on the Public Preview software share their medical records to better understand their overall health.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of understand

Phrases Containing reason

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rearwards
reason
reasonabilities
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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reason

Nglish: Translation of reason for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reason

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