rationalize

verb

ra·​tio·​nal·​ize ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz 

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 

ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-

adjective

rationalizer

ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər 

ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-

noun

plural rationalizers

Synonyms

• account (for)
• attribute
• explain
• explain away

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

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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

rationalization

ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ən-ᵊl-ə-

noun

Medical Definition

rationalize

verb

ra·​tio·​nal·​ize

variants also British rationalise

ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, -ən-ᵊl-ˌīz 

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

-ər