1
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in motive
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing a firm belief that we are here on earth to help others is the reason for her tireless volunteer work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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reason

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information she reasoned that since all of the cakes were on sale for the same price, she might as well pick the biggest one

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word reason different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of reason are cogitate, deliberate, reflect, speculate, and think. While all these words mean "to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference," reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

When is it sensible to use cogitate instead of reason?

The meanings of cogitate and reason largely overlap; however, cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

Where would deliberate be a reasonable alternative to reason?

The synonyms deliberate and reason are sometimes interchangeable, but deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

When is reflect a more appropriate choice than reason?

The words reflect and reason can be used in similar contexts, but reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

When can speculate be used instead of reason?

The words speculate and reason are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

When would think be a good substitute for reason?

Although the words think and reason have much in common, think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of reason
Noun
Perhaps another reason for Béis’ clout is the fact that it’s helmed by none other than actress Shay Mitchell, who launched the brand in 2018 with the goal of honoring on-the-go lifestyles. Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025 The reason was simple: the number of serious runway incursions fell to just seven in 2024. Harry Enten, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
So the team reasoned that Zipf’s law of frequency might appear not just in humans but also anywhere else sequential vocal signals are culturally learned (transmitted from one individual to another). Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 6 Feb. 2025 Additionally, Lander reasoned the five-year employment requirement for eligibility is an incentive for city workers to stay in public service, a boon at a time that vacancies in the municipal ranks remain high as compared with prepandemic levels. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
  • Though multiple explanations for the defendants’ actions were offered at the trial, nothing quite fit.
    Katie Ebner-Landy, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Instead, among the explanations for the gold rush are fears that Mr. Trump’s policies on tariffs and deportations could cause stronger inflation and worsen geopolitical tensions.
    Eshe Nelson, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Deputies are investigating the shooting and working to determine a possible motive.
    Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Police haven’t yet given a motive or made any connection between the stabbing and the Holocaust memorial, known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, or the U.S. Embassy located nearby.
    Brie Stimson, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Ted Sarandos and the powerful in Hollywood might be tempted to use Emilia Pérez as a great excuse to back away from the trans community.
    Seven Graham, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The officers used pandemic travel restrictions as an excuse for the delay.
    Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • While her cause of death has not been confirmed, a source told ABC News that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Anything below this rate will be the cause for outbreaks.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Located in Donelson, TN, just outside Nashville, it’s designed to help people reconnect with joy, curiosity, and a sense of possibility.
    Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Bill’s obsession compels Hal to return home, hoping to talk some sense into his brother.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Backlight was the first piece of hers that blew my mind.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The Badgers, meanwhile, had been on fire lately and had ascended to a bona fide Final Four contender in the minds of many.
    Jim Root, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Nuno Espirito Santo explained his reasoning clearly to Anderson, who understood what the club were attempting to do.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The team consists of fewer than 140 people, according to Chinese state media, though a research paper on its latest R1 reasoning model lists about 200 contributors.
    Anniek Bao,Dylan Butts, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • There are two ways to do that - understand the historical odds and position yourself prior to the event, or look at the correlation between immediate return and medium-term return post earnings and position yourself accordingly post-event.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Racers understand the dangers their sport presents, and while NASCAR has been proactive in its safety measures, there’s always more to be done.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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