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
Psychology Today notes that when someone feels offended, acknowledging their emotions without immediately trying to rationalize or defend the comment can help de-escalate the situation.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
For example, moral disengagement—when individuals justify or rationalize their lack of empathy—can exacerbate this issue.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Plenty of others will try to rationalize his statements anyway.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2025
The same part of me that had wanted to impress my father in college tried to understand it, to rationalize it.
—Julie Buntin, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rationalize 
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David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
For example, moral disengagement—when individuals justify or rationalize their lack of empathy—can exacerbate this issue.
—Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Plenty of others will try to rationalize his statements anyway.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2025
The same part of me that had wanted to impress my father in college tried to understand it, to rationalize it.
—Julie Buntin, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rationalize
Dictionary Entries Near rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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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