rationalize

verb

ra·​tio·​nal·​ize ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz
rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes

transitive verb

1
: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: such as
a
: to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of
rationalize a myth
b
: to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives
rationalized his dislike of his brother
broadly : to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for
rationalize the problem
2
: to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts
rationalize a denominator
3
: to apply research-based managerial principles to (something, such as an industry or its operations) for increased productivity and efficiency

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
rationalizable
ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-
adjective
rationalizer
ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-
noun
plural rationalizers

Examples of rationalize in a Sentence

She tried to rationalize her grandson's strange behavior by blaming it on the boy's father. He couldn't rationalize buying such an expensive car. She knows she shouldn't have done it—she's just trying to rationalize. Management is thinking of ways to rationalize our system of production.
Recent Examples on the Web Media companies across the board have been waging regular streaming price increases over the past several years as the DTC landscape rationalizes and there’s a push to turn profitable. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2024 On the other hand, if at least some of these factors have checkmarks in the positive column, the result may provide enough justification to rationalize staying in place, but not enough to overcome the feeling of stuck-ness. Dr. Gary McClain, TIME, 15 July 2024 The goal of this new alignment would be to better rationalize and align strategies to collectively cope with the challenges brought on by state and nonstate actors. Jeffrey W. Hornung, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2024 Even if Democrats manage to rationalize themselves into accepting Joe Biden’s presidential candidacy, the incumbent has been done in by his allies’ candor. Noah Rothman, National Review, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for rationalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rationalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationalize was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near rationalize

Cite this Entry

“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

rationalize

verb
ra·​tio·​nal·​ize ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce rationalize (audio)
-ən-ᵊl-ˌīz
rationalized; rationalizing
1
: to bring into agreement with reason or cause something to seem believable
2
: to remove irrational expressions from
rationalize a denominator
rationalization noun

Medical Definition

rationalize

verb
ra·​tio·​nal·​ize
variants also British rationalise
rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising

transitive verb

: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable
especially : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives
he tried to rationalize his cruel behavior

intransitive verb

: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
rationalizer noun
also British rationaliser

More from Merriam-Webster on rationalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!