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: 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 creditable or …

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

To dismiss or minimize the significance of (something) by means of an explanation or excuse: "He could not rationalize the loss of some thirty thousand American lives in an unsuccessful war" (Robert Dallek).

If you try to rationalize attitudes or actions that are difficult to accept, you think of reasons to justify or explain them. He further rationalized his activity by convincing himself that he was actually promoting …

Oct 31, 2025 · To make something rational or more rational. Vested interest, united ties, / landed gentry, rationalize. / Look who bought the myth. / By jingo, buy America. (mathematics) To remove radicals, …

RATIONALIZE meaning: 1 : to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.; 2 : to find ways to make (something, such …

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

There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb rationalize, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

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 …