| verb | structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results “We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits” |
| verb | defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning “rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior” |
| verb | think rationally; employ logic or reason “When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize” |
| verb | remove irrational quantities from “This function can be rationalized” |
| verb | weed out unwanted or unnecessary things “We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet” |
| rationalization | noun | the organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency |
| rationalisation | noun | the organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency |
| apology | noun | a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly |
| excusatory | adjective | offering or expressing apology |
| excuse | noun | a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc. |
| justificative | adjective | attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing |
| justificatory | adjective | attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing |
| justifiable | adjective | capable of being justified |
| justification | noun | a statement in explanation of some action or belief |
| justifier | noun | a person who argues to defend or justify some policy or institution |