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Definitions

reason

[ree-zuhn] / ˈri zən /
NOUN
mental analysis
Synonyms
STRONGEST
logic reasoning sense
STRONG
acumen apprehension argumentation bounds brain brains comprehension deduction dialectics discernment generalization induction inference intellect intellection judgment limits lucidity marbles mentality mind moderation propriety ratiocination rationalism rationality rationalization reasonableness saneness sanity senses sensibleness soundness speculation understanding wisdom wit
WEAK
sound mind
Antonyms
STRONG
body disbelief ignorance misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding physicality stupidity unsoundness
NOUN
intention, aim
Synonyms
STRONGEST
argument basis cause consideration goal idea impetus incentive motivation motive proof purpose rationale
STRONG
antecedent design determinant end grounds inducement object occasion root spring target warrant wherefore why
WEAK
ulterior motive why and wherefore whyfor
Antonyms
STRONGEST
block discouragement hindrance
NOUN
explanation for an action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
argument case excuse idea justification proof rationale
STRONG
account apologia apology cover defense exposition ground notion rationalization vindication wherefore why
WEAK
song and dance sour grapes the whole idea whatfor why and wherefore whyfor
Antonyms
STRONG
charge indictment
VERB
mentally analyze
Synonyms
STRONGEST
figure out infer speculate
STRONG
adduce cerebrate cogitate conclude contemplate decide deduce deduct deliberate examine gather generalize philosophize ratiocinate rationalize reflect resolve solve study suppose syllogize think
WEAK
draw conclusion draw from make out think through thresh out work out
Antonyms
STRONG
disbelieve disregard forget ignore neglect question wonder
WEAK
agree go along
VERB
argue, persuade
Synonyms
STRONG
contend debate demonstrate discourse discuss dispute dissuade establish expostulate justify move prove remonstrate urge
WEAK
bring around point out prevail upon show error of ways talk into talk out of win over
Antonyms
STRONG
agree be quiet confuse discourage disprove dissuade give in go along

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.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau held that human reason prompts us to turn away from others’ suffering, for it is reason that overcomes the instinct of compassion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Does the reason I’m interested in “The End of Oak Street” have just as much to do with the dinosaurs as it does Anne “Ally” Hathaway?

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Once the professional reason to gather disappeared, even genuine friendships couldn’t hold the group together.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026

US Vice-President JD Vance was in Pakistan for the talks and said Iran's refusal to commit to not build a nuclear weapon was the main reason for the lack of a deal.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Maggie picked up her phone and scrolled through the pictures she had just taken of E. That was the reason she was late.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing reason

Argumentative Writing

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Think Tank: Thought-Provoking Vocabulary

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Argumentative Writing, List 2

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