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Showing results for raison d'etre. Search instead for saisongewerbe.
Definitions

raison d'etre

[rey-zohn de-truh, re-zawn de-truh] / ˈreɪ zoʊn ˈdɛ trə, rɛ zɔ̃ ˈdɛ trə /
NOUN
reason for being
Synonyms
WEAK
basis justification for existing rationale reason for existing reason why
raison d'être
NOUN
reason for being
Synonyms
WEAK
basis justification for existing rationale reason for existing reason why

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is also working to build the type of cutting-edge AI agents that some investors think threaten its entire raison d’être.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Unrestrained power, of course, is the president’s raison d’être.

From Salon • Sep. 27, 2025

Fundamentally, the format's raison d'être is now under question.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2025

Instead of a unified empire, the smaller kingdoms of the Heptarchy still dominate, their various dangerous machinations providing the raison d’être for the differing orders.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2025

It has built railroads too fast; that is, before they are absolutely required,—railroads running straight into the "bush," without any raison d'être; and the present reaction is but a natural sequence arising from extravagance.

From Under the Southern Cross or Travels in Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Samoa, and Other Pacific Islands by Ballou, Maturin Murray