The meaning of RATIONALIZE is to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable. How to use rationalize in a sentence.

RATIONALIZE definition: 1. to try to find reasons to explain your behaviour, decisions, etc.: 2. to make a company, way of…. Learn more.

How can you tell if someone is rationalizing? A few common patterns signal that rationalization may be at play, especially when people receive negative feedback.

Definition of rationalize verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

to invent plausible explanations for acts, opinions, etc., that are actually based on other causes He tried to prove that he was not at fault, but he was obviously rationalizing

RATIONALIZE definition: to ascribe (one's acts, opinions, etc.) to causes that superficially seem reasonable and valid but that actually are unrelated to the true, possibly unconscious and often less …

Management is thinking of ways to rationalize our system of production. Listening to his rationalizations [= excuses] makes me angry.

Jan 14, 2026 · Verb rationalize (third-person singular simple present rationalizes, present participle rationalizing, simple past and past participle rationalized) (American spelling, Oxford British English) …

Rationalize means to justify by developing a rationale, or a set of reasons for something. You could rationalize cutting school, saying your classes are boring, but you are still doing what you shouldn't …

Dec 6, 2025 · If you notice yourself rationalizing a situation, consider changing your perspective. This strategy involves thinking about alternative explanations and intentionally trying to take a different or …