as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act
the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep
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Recent Examples of rationale
Automakers and manufacturers said the risks from the issue were exceedingly small, questioning the agency's analysis and rationale for seeking a recall.
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David Shepardson, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024
Presumably this is the rationale behind the second pillar of AUKUS, which explores deepening collaboration on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber capabilities, and hypersonic weapons.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024
Washington’s support for Tel Aviv was one of Osama bin Laden’s three stated rationales for declaring jihad against the U.S.
—Rosemary Kelanic, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Under this rationale, the United States could ban a foreign newspaper or a book published in another country from being available in this country because it is seen as undermining democracy.
—Erwin Chemerinsky, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationale 
David Shepardson, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024
Presumably this is the rationale behind the second pillar of AUKUS, which explores deepening collaboration on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber capabilities, and hypersonic weapons.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024
Washington’s support for Tel Aviv was one of Osama bin Laden’s three stated rationales for declaring jihad against the U.S.
—Rosemary Kelanic, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024
Under this rationale, the United States could ban a foreign newspaper or a book published in another country from being available in this country because it is seen as undermining democracy.
—Erwin Chemerinsky, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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There were no noted dissents, although Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch gave their own explanations for why the law should be upheld.Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
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Lynch leaves behind a body of work that defies explanation yet demands exploration, ensuring audiences will return to them again and again, captivated and confounded.Darryn King, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In addition to outgoing President Biden and first lady Jill, all are expected to attend except for Michelle Obama, who is skipping the event for unknown reasons.Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 14 Jan. 2025
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The Dodgers have long been seen as a top contender for Sasaki, a hard-throwing starter who had a career 2.10 ERA in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, for myriad reasons.Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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By selling at current levels, the DOJ may unintentionally strengthen the argument for a strategic reserve.Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
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Though Woodall's suit filed Friday contains numerous allegations about the first Moana film, the substance of his argument focuses on the sequel released in November 2024.Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near rationale
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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