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
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 
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.
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
Dictionary Entries Near rationalize
Cite this Entry
“Rationalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalize. Accessed 22 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share