rationalizes

verb

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

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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 Patchett rationalizes Mary’s decision by establishing that Nutmeg was old. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 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
  1. explains
  2. justifies
Verb
  • Below, Bourne explains how and why Black in the British Frame fell out of print.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Which perhaps explains why people keep trying to run it back.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of explains
Verb
  • That’s precisely the work AI is best suited to automate, not the work that justifies a marketing department.
    — Richard Freisberg, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • These are electric cars, which apparently justifies a vaguely techy-sounding alphanumeric assemblage.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of justifies

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rationalizing
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Cite this Entry

“Rationalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizes. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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