RATIONALIZATIONS Synonyms: 21 Similar Words

rationalizations

noun

plural of rationalization

as in pretexts

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for rationalizations

Noun

Pages and pages have been written on this passage, seeking out its ideological subtext, its historical context and its intellectual pretexts in classical and early modern thought.

— New York Times, New York Times, 9 June 2026
The Kremlin is making false accusations that could be used in the future as pretexts for military attacks.

— Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Definition of pretexts

Noun

For Mary Kay, the latter of these rationales seems to have been clothed in the guise of the former, though the precise catalyst for establishing her own outfit remains indeterminate.

— Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
Americans heard much more forthright rationales from generals involved in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

— Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

Definition of rationales

Noun

The strategic mistake of invading Iraq on false pretenses was then compounded by tactical errors.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Johnson created the story of Nancy (Emilia Jones), who is not a girlfriend, but a crush who Bourdain foolhardily (and under false pretenses) follows to Provincetown after not getting a writing fellowship.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretenses

Noun

Still other explanations presume that the gods’ artistic representations in ritual settings are the basis of the meaning of their multiform appearances.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
At times, his psychological explanations may seem almost too orderly for a woman who lived so exuberantly in disorder.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of explanations

Noun

Idaho allows exemptions for medical, religious or other reasons, and medical justifications account for very few of those exemptions, according to data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026
At the center lies carceral safety politics—logics that turn fears of violence into justifications for punitive responses.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of justifications

Noun

In May 2026, oral arguments were held before the Fouth Circuit Court of Appeals.

— Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Opening arguments started last week in the landmark trial against Meta that’s being co-led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the AGs from Colorado, New Jersey and Kentucky.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of arguments

Noun

This increase happens for two reasons — both tied to the fact that El Niño is characterized by warmer than average ocean temperatures in the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Less than a week after our Zoom conversation with Knapp, an unrelated Good Good collab went viral for all of the wrong reasons.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasons

Noun

Throughout the weekend, Dudamel embraced the worlds of Hollywood, Latin music in many guises and old-fashioned rock.

— Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
With their traditional, legacy rivals — the Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur — in various guises of transition, Arsenal are suddenly the team to beat and the Emirates is suddenly a library of sound; noise please.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of guises

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rationalization

rationalizations

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“Rationalizations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rationalizations. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rationalizations

noun

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