rationalize

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.

In the letter, Irenic said Snapchat should rationalize its cost structure and the company has over-hired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Dahlia Lithwick: There is a very human propensity, especially in times of crisis, to normalize and rationalize and temporize.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2025

They rationalize this otherwise contradictory behavior by telling themselves that even though the bubble assets they’re investing in are grossly overvalued, they will know when to get out — just before the bubble bursts.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025

“We cannot rationalize why Palantir is the most expensive name in our software coverage,” analysts wrote.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

Rather it seems that an aspect of human nature is the tendency to cling tightly to one’s advantages and privileges and to rationalize the suffering and exclusion of others.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander