Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for raison d'etre.
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.

To underscore the Ballers’ raison d’etre — a baseball team that never would abandon Oakland — Freedman and Carmel sold ownership stakes to fans.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2024

A concert might sound like an odd raison d’etre for visiting a foreign country, especially when fans can watch the Eras Tour from home via the documentary now streaming on Disney+.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2024

So they feel like it is their signature, their raison d’etre.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2023

While the Echo quickly found its raison d’etre, I think the Astro will take a bit longer The Astro also has a split personality.

From The Verge • May 26, 2022

Of course the malicious people say that her get-up as the White Lady is really the raison d'etre of the piece.

From Miss Bretherton by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.