rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz 
ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz
rationalized; rationalizing; rationalizes
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
: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
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
And if Alexander Hamilton was told to equalize something or to rationalize something with other countries, that's a standard.
—
Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
By the fifties, however, Stalin’s crimes could no longer be rationalized.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
The buyers have been consolidating, the streamers have really rationalized their acquisitions.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024
Rather, Oppenheimer appeals to the art-house crowd with a serious-minded rumination on guilt and the human capacity to rationalize away one’s misdeeds.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationalize 
Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
By the fifties, however, Stalin’s crimes could no longer be rationalized.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
The buyers have been consolidating, the streamers have really rationalized their acquisitions.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024
Rather, Oppenheimer appeals to the art-house crowd with a serious-minded rumination on guilt and the human capacity to rationalize away one’s misdeeds.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 1 Sep. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz
-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
Medical Definition
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
variants
also British rationalise
rationalized also British rationalised; rationalizing also British rationalising
: 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
: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
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