Rationalize

Pronunciation: /ˈræʃənəˌlaɪz/

Rationalize (verb)

  1. To explain or justify something in a way that makes it seem reasonable.
  2. To change something to make it easier to understand or more acceptable.

Examples

  • People often try to rationalize their feelings about difficult situations.
  • They need to rationalize their spending to save more money.

Common collocations: rationalize a decision, rationalize behavior, rationalize expenses, rationalize policies