reason synonyms

reason

n.

  1. The power of reasoning

    understanding, intelligence, mind, sanity; see acumen, judgment 1.

  2. A process of reasoning

    logic, intellection, dialectics, speculation, generalization, rationalism, argumentation, inference, induction, deduction, discernment, analysis, ratiocination, rationalization.

  3. A basis for rational action

    end, object, rationale, intention, motive, ulterior motive, basis, wherefore, aim, intent, cause, design, ground, impetus, idea, motivation, root, incentive, goal, purpose, the why and wherefore; see also cause 1, purpose 1.

  4. The mind

    brain, mentality, intellect; see mind 1. See syn. study at cause.

by reason of

because of, on account of, for, by way of; see because.

in reason

in accord with what is reasonable, rationally, understandably; see reasonably 1.

out of all reason

unreasonable, irrational, irresponsible; see extreme 2, illogical.

stand to reason

be plausible, be logical, be feasible, seem all right; see convince.

with reason

understandably, justifiably, soundly, plausibly; see reasonably 1, rightly.

within reason

within reasonable limits, justifiable, acceptable, within bounds; see reasonable 2.

reason

v.

  1. To think logically

    reflect, deliberate, contemplate; see think 1.

  2. To seek a reasonable explanation

    suppose, infer, deduce, gather, draw from, conclude, generalize, adduce, rationalize, think through, study, analyze, examine, figure out, thresh out*; see also assume 1, infer 1.

  3. To discuss persuasively

    argue, trace, contend, dispute, debate, demonstrate, point out, prove, establish, discourse, justify; see also argue 1, discuss. See syn. study at think.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.