as in rational
having the ability to reason
judged by the courts not to be a reasoning being who could be held accountable for his crimes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in logic
the thought processes that have been established as leading to valid solutions to problems
your reasoning here is faulty, for although all wives are spouses, not all spouses are wives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in understanding
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
as in arguing
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
he tried to reason that no one in their right mind would buy his brother's old video games, but they were put on the online auction anyway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reasoning
Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
Though his previous resumes were good, Ryan’s reasoning for feeling snubbed this season was valid.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The rulings in response to these requests typically do not include the justices' reasoning or a full breakdown of how each voted.
—Melissa Quinn
july 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
The reasoning behind her exit was not explained within the main text of the show, meaning that only audience members who fell down an online Love Island rabbit hole knew what was happening.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reasoning
Noun
The drama of reasoning—applying abstract principles to real dilemmas, starting in one mental region and ending up in another faraway place, changing one’s mind, undergoing a conversion of the heart—is the admittedly humble glory of our species.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
Though his previous resumes were good, Ryan’s reasoning for feeling snubbed this season was valid.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The rulings in response to these requests typically do not include the justices' reasoning or a full breakdown of how each voted.
—Melissa Quinn
july 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
The reasoning behind her exit was not explained within the main text of the show, meaning that only audience members who fell down an online Love Island rabbit hole knew what was happening.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for reasoning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reasoning
Adjective
-
The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.—
Roya Hakakian,
The Atlantic,
10 July 2025
-
Collins’ no vote, in a rational world, made sense for her constituents.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Mechanistic interpretability helps reveal the underlying computational logic that neural networks employ to generate results.—
Rishabh Sambare,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
The great flaw in that theory is the supposition of logic in humans.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Biden administration paid out three rounds of stimulus checks to American households, arguing the move would stimulate the economy and help families get through the emergency.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The president justified his decision by arguing that all three of the nations were not doing enough to curb the influx of drugs, specifically fentanyl, coming into the United States.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Although not specifically marketed as a pet camera, the Eufy E220 is a budget-friendly indoor home security camera packed with typically more high-end features, including remote pan and tilt, sharp 2K video footage, automatic motion tracking, and intelligent motion and sound detection.—
Cierra Cowan July 11,
PC Magazine,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
But there’s an obvious reason the hotel keeps the interiors somewhat understated.—
Hannah Freedman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
-
Now, there’s no reason for any such cat-and-mouse game.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
The path is similar this time around, and Tampa Bay is coming off a resounding 40-17 victory over the playoff-contending Los Angeles Chargers.—
Associated Pess,
Orlando Sentinel,
22 Dec. 2024
-
Against this backdrop, the remainder of López's contract could be appealing to a contending team.—
Newsweek,
Newsweek,
22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
-
Credit Gus Malzahn for being proactive and thinking long-term in choosing his starting quarterback.—
Creg Stephenson | [email protected],
al,
22 Aug. 2019
Verb
-
But the process of cleaning up the charred remnants and deciding the fate of what’s left of the historic building may take years.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacramento Bee,
11 Mar. 2025
-
There are several considerations when deciding where to live and retire.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reasoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reasoning. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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