rationalization
noun
ra·tio·nal·i·za·tion
ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌra-shə-nə-lə-
plural rationalizations
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing : a way of describing, interpreting, or explaining something (such as bad behavior) that makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.
They're masters of high-speed sophistry and self-serving rationalizations, and they threaten one another as if the power of threats lies mainly in how elegantly expressed they are …—
Nitsuh Abebe
Nitsuh AbebeBut that's a convenient rationalization that removes from the rest of us the onus for doing the right thing even when the wrong thing is alluring and nobody would blame you for it.—Leonard Pitts, Jr.
Leonard Pitts, Jr.People rationalize what they shun or are incapable of dealing with; these superstitions and their rationalizations become ritual as they govern behavior.—Ralph Ellison
Ralph EllisonImportantly, these perceptions of victimhood were automatic and effortless, not belabored rationalizations.—Kurt Gray and Chelsea Schein
Kurt Gray and Chelsea ScheinExamples of rationalization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Politicians can always find a rationalization to spend taxpayer money on an unending list of needy programs coupled with a self-congratulatory press release.
—Len Fasano, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025
This is a market rationalization, reshuffling what type of company, in what business culture, is fit to stand up and operate a robotaxi fleet.
—Richard Bishop, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
At first, his conscience bothers him, but Zare’s performance is a wonder of quiet rationalization as Iman gradually decides that going along is better than making waves.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
Seems like a heavy dose of post rationalization S
Si B.
· 13h 52m ago
Pepe treatment by fanbase and management was brutal.
—Jack Lang, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationalization 
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Len Fasano, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025
This is a market rationalization, reshuffling what type of company, in what business culture, is fit to stand up and operate a robotaxi fleet.
—Richard Bishop, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
At first, his conscience bothers him, but Zare’s performance is a wonder of quiet rationalization as Iman gradually decides that going along is better than making waves.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2024
Seems like a heavy dose of post rationalization S
Si B.
· 13h 52m ago
Pepe treatment by fanbase and management was brutal.
—Jack Lang, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rationalization
Dictionary Entries Near rationalization
Cite this Entry
“Rationalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalization. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
rationalization
noun
ra·tio·nal·iza·tion
variants
also British rationalisation
: the act, process, or result of rationalizing
especially
: the provision of plausible reasons to explain to oneself or others behavior for which one's real motives are different and unknown or unconscious
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