reasoning

1 of 2

noun

rea·​son·​ing ˈrēz-niŋ How to pronounce reasoning (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of reasoning
1
: the use of reason
especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason
2
: an instance of the use of reason : argument

reasoning

2 of 2

present participle of reason entry 2

Synonyms of reasoning

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Noun

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Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

Noun Could you explain your reasoning? They told everyone the reasoning behind the decision. a conclusion based on fallacious reasoning Humans possess the power of reasoning.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The Canadian Museums Association‘s Indigenous Council disagrees with his reasoning. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Barber laid out his reasoning for the new test, acknowledging the unknown male DNA could have an innocent explanation but saying the pattern is hard to ignore. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Chain of thought reasoning breaks down processes into a logical sequence of steps, which can help AI models arrive at more accurate answers. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Those discussions reveal how employees think and give managers a chance to coach reasoning, not just review the final deliverable. — Samir Dutta, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reasoning

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reasoning was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing reasoning

Rhymes for reasoning

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Browse Nearby Words

reasoner
reasoning
reasonless
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Cite this Entry

“Reasoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reasoning. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reasoning

noun
rea·​son·​ing
1
: the use of reason
2
: the reasons used in and the proofs that result from thought : argument

More from Merriam-Webster on reasoning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reasoning

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