verb
to attempt to explain or justify (one's own or another's behavior or attitude) with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate
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It is important to rationalize your expenses in order to stay within budget.
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I need to rationalize why I spent so much money on clothes last month.
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I had to come up with a way to rationalize buying that new video game.
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She tried to rationalize her decision to quit her job by focusing on the potential for personal growth.