1
a
: a statement offered in explanation or justification
gave reasons that were quite satisfactory
b
: a rational ground or motive
a good reason to act soon
c
: the thing that makes some fact intelligible : cause
the reason for earthquakes
the real reason why he wanted me to stay—
Graham Greene
Graham Greene
d
: a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense
especially
: something (such as a principle or law) that supports a conclusion or explains a fact
the reasons behind her client's action
2
a(1)
: the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways : intelligence
(2)
: proper exercise of the mind
(3)
: sanity
b
: the sum of the intellectual powers
3
archaic
: treatment that affords satisfaction
reasoned; reasoning
ˈrēz-niŋ 
ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ
1
: to use the faculty of reason so as to arrive at conclusions
2
a
: to talk with another so as to influence actions or opinions
can't reason with them
b
obsolete
: to take part in conversation, discussion, or argument
1
: to discover, formulate, or conclude by the use of reason
a carefully reasoned analysis
2
: to persuade or influence by the use of reason
3
archaic
: to justify or support with reasons
Synonyms
Examples of reason in a Sentence
Noun
I gave a reason for my absence.
Is there a reason for your strange behavior?
There is a reason why they don't want to come.
I can't give you the report for the simple reason that it isn't yet finished.
She explained her reasons for deciding to change jobs.
He wanted to know the reason for their decision.
Give me one good reason why I should believe you.
For obvious reasons, we can't do that yet.
For reasons of space, some of the charts and graphs have been omitted from the article.
She resigned for personal reasons.
Verb
He lost the ability to reason.
He reasoned that both statements couldn't be true.
She reasoned that something must be wrong.
Recent Examples on the WebEddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024
The reason this accumulates quickly is down to the type of stress threat faced, which is less likely to be a physical one (such as running away from a tiger), and more likely to be a psychological one (like an overflowing inbox).
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reason 
Noun
Offensive line The interior O-line and right tackle are a major reason the 49ers are 0-2 against Chris Jones and the Chiefs in Super Bowls.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024
The reason this accumulates quickly is down to the type of stress threat faced, which is less likely to be a physical one (such as running away from a tiger), and more likely to be a psychological one (like an overflowing inbox).
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reason
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reason.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to reason
Dictionary Entries Near reason
Cite this Entry
“Reason.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reason. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reason
1 of 2 noun
rea·son
ˈrēz-ᵊn
1
a
: a statement given to explain a belief or act
gave a reason for my absence
b
: a good basis
reasons for thinking life may exist on other planets
c
: the thing that makes some fact understandable : cause
wanted to know the reason for earthquakes
2
a
: the power to think : intelligence
b
: a sound mind
reason
2 of 2 verb
reasoned; reasoning
ˈrēz-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to talk with another in order to cause a change of mind
reason with someone
2
a
: to use the power of reason
b
: to state or conclude by use of reason
reasoned that both statements couldn't be true
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