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Showing results for rationalize. Search instead for rationalizabl.
Definitions

rationalize

[rash-uh-nl-ahyz, rash-nl-ahyz] / ˈræʃ ə nlˌaɪz, ˈræʃ nlˌaɪz /
VERB
make excuse; justify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
justify
STRONG
deliberate elucidate excise excuse extenuate reason reconcile resolve think vindicate
WEAK
account for apply logic cop a plea cop out explain away give alibi intellectualize make allowance reason out think through

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We will absolutely have to rationalize the overall corporate overhead of the company,” Ellison said after being asked about the possibility of layoffs.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 7, 2026

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins in a presentation mostly aimed at showing that the agencies would harmonize their rules to promote cryptocurrency innovation and rationalize margin collateral requirements in securities markets.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Dahlia Lithwick: There is a very human propensity, especially in times of crisis, to normalize and rationalize and temporize.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2025

Even if it could still rationalize that its transactions with OpenAI are quantitatively insignificant, there is no denying that the overall relationship with OpenAI is quite material.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

I was afraid I’d deliberate, ruminate, agonize, rationalize, and talk myself into not going.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini