rationalize

• POS: Verb (usu participle), Verb (transitive)
• HYPHEN: ra=tion=al=ize

CIDE DICTIONARY

rationalize, v. t. 

•  To make rational; also, to convert to rationalism.  [1913 Webster]
•  To interpret in the manner of a rationalist.  [1913 Webster]
•  To form a rational conception of.  [1913 Webster]
•  To render rational; to free from radical signs or quantities.  [1913 Webster]

rationalize, v. i. 

 To use, and rely on, reason in forming a theory, belief, etc., especially in matters of religion: to accord with the principles of rationalism.  [1913 Webster]
"Theodore . . . is justly considered the chief rationalizing doctor of antiquity."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

rationalize, v. (also -ise)
1 a tr. offer or subconsciously adopt a rational but specious explanation of (one's behaviour or attitude). b intr. explain one's behaviour or attitude in this way.
2 tr. make logical and consistent.
3 tr. make (a business etc.) more efficient by reorganizing it to reduce or eliminate waste of labour, time, or materials.
4 tr. (often foll. by away) explain or explain away rationally.
5 tr. Math. clear of surds.
6 intr. be or act as a rationalist.

Derivative

rationalization n. rationalizer n.

THESAURUS

rationalize

account, account for, adjust, allegorize, analyze, apply reason, argue insincerely, arrange, calculate, cast, chart, clarify, clear, clear up, codify, concert, contrive, coordinate, crack, cry sour grapes, cut out, decipher, deduce, demonstrate, demythologize, design, destigmatize, devise, distort, do justice to, elucidate, enlighten, euhemerize, exculpate, excuse, exemplify, explain, explain away, explicate, exposit, expound, figure, fix, forecast, frame, generalize, give reason for, give the meaning, harmonize, hypothesize, illuminate, illustrate, infer, intellectualize, intend, justify, lay plans, logicalize, logicize, make a projection, make arrangements, make clear, make plain, methodize, misapply, normalize, organize, paralogize, pervert, philosophize, plan, plan ahead, popularize, prearrange, program, project, provide a rationale, purge, reason, reason ill, reason out, regularize, regulate, rehabilitate, reinstate, restore, routinize, schedule, schematize, set up, settle, shape, shed light upon, show, show how, show the way, simplify, solve, spell out, standardize, syllogize, synchronize, synthesize, systematize, theorize, think through, throw light upon, tune, tune up, unfold, unlock, unravel, use reason, vindicate, warrant, work out, work up