REASONS Synonyms: 153 Similar and Opposite Words

reasons 1 of 2

noun

plural of reason

as in explanations

a statement given to explain a belief or act she gave a good reason for her seemingly suspicious behavior

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Relevance

as in motives

something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing a firm belief that we are here on earth to help others is the reason for her tireless volunteer work

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as in excuses

an explanation that frees one from fault or blame what reason do you have for being in such a bad mood?

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as in causes

someone or something responsible for a result what's the meteorological reason for tornadoes?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reasons

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of reason

as in derives

to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information she reasoned that since all of the cakes were on sale for the same price, she might as well pick the biggest one

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as in argues

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration he tried to reason that no one in their right mind would buy his brother's old video games, but they were put on the online auction anyway

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of reasons

Noun

But there are reasons this sort of performance goes beyond the game-state defence. — Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 In my experience, this assumption is one of the biggest reasons capital-raising campaigns fail. — Ramesh Tambe, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Other greats like Magic Johnson and Mario Lemieux made comebacks after early retirements for medical reasons. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 But 19 Republicans voted against the measure for various reasons, including a provision extending the deadline for the federal hemp ban by just over four weeks. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026 There are two other reasons why thermal-paper receipts have endured. — HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026 But energy experts say there are many reasons to be skeptical. — Julia Simon, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Below, landscaping experts share the most common reasons crabgrass is invading your lawn. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 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

Verb

The consultant reasons by filling a notebook with calculations, then hands you a one-sentence answer, and keeps the notebook. — Adam Fish, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 How the Fed reasons its way to agreements is as important as the agreements. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2026 The system reasons underneath, processing infinitely complex 3D scenarios, handling trade clashes, regulations and tradeoffs - learning from user feedback over time to eliminate the need for users to supervise its intelligence. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reasons

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

If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Then Front Office Sports wants documentation, competing sources and a discussion about our motives.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of motives

Noun

The software company PDFFly surveyed 2000 managers and senior managers and found that while 85% of managers suspect their employees are making fake excuses to grab extra time off in the summer, half of management are doing exactly that themselves.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Save as a collection on MyRecipes Fall brings football tailgates, family dinners, and dozens more excuses to gather.

— Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of excuses

Verb

In those situations, advice derives much of its value from trust, accountability and experience.

— Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
As a result, the film derives overwhelming tension from the creature’s unknown qualities and the terror of an unseen force wreaking havoc on an unassuming community.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of derives

Verb

Conversely, another group argues that given the upside risks to inflation, the year-end rate should likely be higher than the current target range.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Dolly Parton stood up for undocumented immigrants when few others would, argues columnist Gustavo Arellano.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of argues

Noun

The judge issued his ruling at the conclusion of a court session Tuesday, which continued the preliminary hearing that was largely held over a week in early July before a nearly two-month recess to prepare for closing arguments.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
While the class was divided between protectionists and free-traders, the teacher gave no indication of his own views, and the textbook presented objective facts along with arguments from both sides.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of arguments

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