reason 1 of 2

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

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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

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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

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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
Here are key reasons why resilience is vital for outsourcing operations: Ensures Business Continuity: Resilient models enable uninterrupted services during unexpected disruptions through contingency planning and distributed backup capabilities. Mit Somaiya, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2025 There is some reason to believe that this modularity is key to the brain's incredible flexibility. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
In other words, the models are neither exclusively reasoning nor exclusively just reciting. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 21 Feb. 2025 Fitzgerald reasoned the date was too soon and hung up. Stephanie Jones, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reason
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reason
Noun
  • The data was added to various modeling scenarios, with the most likely explanation being a triple-body system.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Providing rational explanations when making proposals or setting boundaries.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Authorities did not disclose what led them to suspect Juarez-Perez, or a motive for the slaying.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The motive for the shooting is under investigation.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At least juveniles have an excuse: The human brain isn’t fully developed until age 25.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Canada and China have both questioned the Trump administration’s focus on fentanyl, calling it an excuse to issue his tariffs.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The school board fired Martinez on Dec. 20 without cause, and just a few days later, several of those same board members attended ongoing teachers contract negotiations.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
  • No foul play was suspected and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death, police said.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Kirsch said the shooting didn’t just shatter the sense of safety and security locally.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • But there is the sense that what's happening is bigger than both of them.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • By 1984, Atari had clearly won the hearts and minds of gamers.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Every story includes a WhatsApp link to text Waterson, and his phone buzzes through the night with neighborhood gossip and whatever else is on Londoners’ minds.
    Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Whatever the club’s reasoning, there was something familiar and troubling about this disappointing deadline paralysis.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
  • As is often the case on its emergency docket, the court did not explain its reasoning.
    Ryan Young, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The real stories of the game and its people from someone who lives it and understands it better than any member of the media who has never played the game ever could.
    Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
  • To better understand these temperature swings, the researchers plugged this data into a computer model they fine-tuned to match the spacecraft's landing conditions, including local topography and illumination.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reason. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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