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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rationale
Right now, Trump and Congress could whack Medicaid and give Newsom a solid rationale for cutting way back on health care for undocumented Californians.
—
George Skelton, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
Here’s more from Harris and manager A.J. Hinch on the rationale behind their last-minute decisions:
Can Kreidler hold down center field?
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
In other cases, the Trump administration hasn’t clarified its rationale for detaining someone.
—Nicole Narea, Vox, 27 Mar. 2025
The rationale for the new positions needs to be made clear so that the board can effectively engage with the executive team.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
George Skelton, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
Here’s more from Harris and manager A.J. Hinch on the rationale behind their last-minute decisions:
Can Kreidler hold down center field?
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
In other cases, the Trump administration hasn’t clarified its rationale for detaining someone.
—Nicole Narea, Vox, 27 Mar. 2025
The rationale for the new positions needs to be made clear so that the board can effectively engage with the executive team.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rationale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationale
Noun
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Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
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These free, printable cards are available at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and display a brief explanation of citizen and non-citizen rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam.—
Henry Chappell,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Combs’ defense team made arguments for delaying the trial up to two months, but the judge was not swayed.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Gregory, who became known as Gregory the Great, had reasons to advance such an argument.—
Eliza Griswold,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationale. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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