Explain
Explain verb - To give the reason for or cause of.
Usage example: can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?
Rationalize is a synonym for explain in justify topic. In some cases you can use "Rationalize" instead a verb "Explain", when it comes to topics like account, account for, make clear. popular alternative
Rationalize
Rationalize verb - To give the reason for or cause of.
Usage example: rationalized his decision to buy the new car by noting that it was more fuel efficient than his old vehicle
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Synonyms for Rationalize
Explain is a synonym for rationalize in justify topic. You can use "Explain" instead a verb "Rationalize", if it concerns topics such as account, account for. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- warrant and explain
- warrant and rationalize
- account and explain
- account and rationalize
- excuse and explain
- excuse and rationalize
- solve and explain
- solve and rationalize
- defend and explain
- defend and rationalize
- resolve and explain
- resolve and rationalize
- describe and explain
- describe and rationalize
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
- The story's creator, Kris Straub, has stated that he doesn't care for the fan sequels or spin-offs because they try to explain or rationalize the deliberately vague and unexplained events of the story — thus negating the entire reason why it was frightening in the first place.
Source: Misaimed Fandom / Web Media
Cite this Source
Rationalize and Explain. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain/rationalize
Explain & Rationalize. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain/rationalize>.
Rationalize or Explain. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/explain/rationalize.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "explain" and "rationalize" have occurred on timeline