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
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.
As was the case in 1994, most of the claims that were used to rationalize these horrors were grounded in misinformation, outright lies, and racist fantasies. Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024 In turn, e-commerce companies began reducing their footprint, and other industrial companies started rationalizing their Covid expansions. David Marino, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 His friend Enyedi was on hand to reassure and to rationalize the jury process. Patrick Frater, Variety, 29 Oct. 2024 He’s even rationalized the switch by conjuring up an original concept in his mind. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for rationalize 

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 28 Nov. 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

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