rationale
noun
ra·tio·nale
ˌra-shə-ˈnal 
1
: an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena
2
: an underlying reason : basis
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Rationale comes from Latin ratio, meaning "reason," and rationalis, "endowed with reason." Ratio is reasonably familiar as an English word for the relationship (in number, quantity, or degree) between things.
Synonyms
Examples of rationale in a Sentence
the rationale for starting the school day an hour later is that kids will supposedly get an extra hour of sleep
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1867, President Andrew Johnson similarly cited it as a rationale for purchasing Alaska.
—
Scott Neuman, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
These have not been rationales used for tariffs in the past.
—Greg Iacurci,ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
To many lawyers, the rationale offered by Mr. McHenry, that the president has authority under Article II of the Constitution, was flimsy, and the actions violated both the letter and the spirit of longstanding law.
—Devlin Barrett, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2025
We haven’t been provided with any details about the rationale behind this abrupt decision or who would serve as interim.
—Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rationale 
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Scott Neuman, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025
These have not been rationales used for tariffs in the past.
—Greg Iacurci,ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
To many lawyers, the rationale offered by Mr. McHenry, that the president has authority under Article II of the Constitution, was flimsy, and the actions violated both the letter and the spirit of longstanding law.
—Devlin Barrett, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2025
We haven’t been provided with any details about the rationale behind this abrupt decision or who would serve as interim.
—Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rationale
Dictionary Entries Near rationale
Cite this Entry
“Rationale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationale. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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rationale
noun
ra·tio·nale
ˌrash-ə-ˈnal
: a basic reason or explanation for something
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