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
The rationale behind Clayface’s appearance emerged in comics of the 1970s, which evolved the character into a scientist with hormone irregularities.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
However, the group No Digital Billboards in San Jose has rejected the city’s rationale for moving forward with the deal, arguing the negative impacts to residents outweigh any prospective benefits and run afoul of the city’s goals.
—Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
The rationale is that if families had to buy those extra tickets, more of them might drive instead of fly.
—Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
Escobar disputed Bass’ rationale for firing Crowley, saying that an outside investigation into the fire is already underway.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
However, the group No Digital Billboards in San Jose has rejected the city’s rationale for moving forward with the deal, arguing the negative impacts to residents outweigh any prospective benefits and run afoul of the city’s goals.
—Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
The rationale is that if families had to buy those extra tickets, more of them might drive instead of fly.
—Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025
Escobar disputed Bass’ rationale for firing Crowley, saying that an outside investigation into the fire is already underway.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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Providing rational explanations when making proposals or setting boundaries.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
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In a letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget, Pritzker and Illinois demanded an explanation for why state agencies, nonprofits, and businesses have not received funds.—
Natalie Venegas,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Universities are the reason that this country has been able to attract talent, chase breakthroughs, and respond to change.—
Nathan Heller,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
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There is some reason to believe that this modularity is key to the brain's incredible flexibility.—
Tim Stevens,
Ars Technica,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The argument as articulated so far by Trump administration officials appears to play down the economic benefits created by Social Security payments, infrastructure spending, scientific research and other forms of government spending that can shape an economy’s trajectory.—
Josh Boak,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2025
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People have different reassurance languages, and using the wrong one can leave your partner feeling unsettled, even if the argument is technically over.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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