backward rationalization

noun

The attribution of a reason or justification for a choice or action after the fact, rather than before it.

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Meanings

nounbackward rationalization (countable and uncountable, plural backward rationalizations)

plural backward rationalizations

  1. countableuncountablehuman sciencesThe attribution of a reason or justification for a choice or action after the fact, rather than before it.
Cite this entry
APA

backward rationalization. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/backward%20rationalization

MLA

“backward rationalization.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/backward%20rationalization. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “backward rationalization,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/backward%20rationalization.

Source: backward rationalization on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.