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 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 …

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

When a company, system, or industry is rationalized, it is made more efficient, usually by getting rid of staff and equipment that are not essential.

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

To attempt to justify (one's behavior) by providing reasons that obscure one's actual motives: rationalized cheating on his taxes as being a form of political protest.

to find a reason, basis, or explanation (for actions) in causes that seem reasonable but do not reflect true, unconscious, or less acceptable causes: [~ + object] He tried to rationalize his use of illegal …