rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
| \ ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz
, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\
, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\
rationalized;
rationalizing
Definition of rationalize
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 the principles of scientific management to (something, such as an industry or its operations) for a desired result (such as increased efficiency)
: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
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Other Words from rationalize
rationalizable
\ ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl
, ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī- \
adjective
, ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī- \
adjective
rationalizer
\ ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər
, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī- \
noun
, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī- \
noun
Synonyms for rationalize
Synonyms
account (for), attribute, explain, explain away
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Still, most racers embrace the super tuck, rationalizing that to pedal professionally is to crash. — Michael Powell, New York Times, "Cycling Embraces Risk, Reward and the Super Tuck," 23 July 2019 Typically, the behavior is excused or rationalized along the way by those in positions to directly challenge it and correct the problem. — Seattle Times Staff, The Seattle Times, "‘We pay for congestion one way or the other’: Some of the best comments this week on seattletimes.com," 19 July 2019 The industry might need to be rationalized to survive. — Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, "In praise of the messy, misunderstood masterpiece (and in search of the next one)," 25 July 2019 All frivolities, such as politics and culture, would be deemed unessential, and life would be rationalized and run on principles of industrial efficiency. — Philip Delves Broughton, WSJ, "‘Digital Cash’ Review: Bitcoin and Beyond," 23 June 2019 How many of these new adaptations earn enough money to rationalize even one sequel, let alone a franchise? — Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Men in Black' and the Battle Between Nostalgia and Fatigue," 15 June 2019 For the Pelicans, perhaps the best way to rationalize trading down from No. 4 was to take a big swing on upside, which became Jaxson Hayes at No. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "10 NBA Draft Thoughts: Bol Bol's Big Fall, Value Picks, and What to Expect in the Future," 21 June 2019 Fox’s spin on the North Korean cult of great-leader genius that rationalizes every personal and political excess of Kim Jong Un as a spontaneous reflection of the masses’ own revolutionary desire. — David Roth, The New Republic, "Making sense of Donald Trump's petulant reign," 12 June 2019 In standard quantum mechanics, the effect is rationalized as the instantaneous collapse of the particles’ joint probability wave. — Quanta Magazine, "Fluid Tests Hint at Concrete Quantum Reality," 24 June 2014These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rationalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for rationalize
rationalize
verb
English Language Learners Definition of rationalize
: to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
chiefly British
: to find ways to make (something, such as an industry, a company, etc.) waste less time, effort, and money
See the full definition for rationalize in the English Language Learners Dictionary
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
| \ ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz
\
\
rationalized;
rationalizing
Kids Definition of rationalize
: to find an excuse for something that seems reasonable or believable
He tried to rationalize his foolish purchase.
rationalize
verb
ra·tio·nal·ize
variants:
also British rationalise \ ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-ᵊl-ˌīz
\
\
rationalized
also British rationalised;
rationalizing
also British rationalising
Medical Definition of rationalize
: 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
Other Words from rationalize
rationalizer
also British rationaliser \ -ər
\
noun
\
noun