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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rationale
Thompson outlined for the four victims’ families his rationale for brokering a deal with Kohberger.
—
Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2025
With the common enemy gone, the strategic rationale for security cooperation all but disappeared even as economic cooperation flourished.
—William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
The Trump administration’s rationale is a significant departure from previous U.S. policies regarding Haiti.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
The last point is encouraging, and provides a rationale for developing new nudging techniques to help Gen Z and others make sound decisions across the financial spectrum.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Idaho Statesman, 10 July 2025
With the common enemy gone, the strategic rationale for security cooperation all but disappeared even as economic cooperation flourished.
—William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
The Trump administration’s rationale is a significant departure from previous U.S. policies regarding Haiti.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
The last point is encouraging, and provides a rationale for developing new nudging techniques to help Gen Z and others make sound decisions across the financial spectrum.
—Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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But this conventional view overlooks a more important explanation.—
Robert B. Reich,
Hartford Courant,
15 July 2025
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Thankfully, there was an entirely logical explanation, which Christain was only too happy to provide.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The administration maintains that the naysayers are wrong, and alas, there is indeed reason to suspect the official narrative of financial experts.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
25 July 2025
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Part of the reason for their refusal, the OP claims, is that this wasn't the first time they had been asked for the same favor — and had a different outcome.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In his ruling Thursday, Sabraw said the government did not prevail on any of those arguments.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 July 2025
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But courts across the country have rejected these arguments as overreaches, rooted more in political symbolism than legal standing.—
Albert R. Wynn,
Baltimore Sun,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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