backward rationalize

verb

To construct or invent an explanation for an action, decision, or outcome after it has already occurred, rather than reasoning from it beforehand.

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Meanings

verbbackward rationalize (third-person singular simple present backward rationalizes, present participle backward rationalizing, simple past and past participle backward rationalized)

present singular third person backward rationalizes · participle present backward rationalizing · participle past backward rationalized · past backward rationalized · alternative backward-rationalize

  1. ambitransitivehuman sciencesTo construct or invent an explanation for an action, decision, or outcome after it has already occurred, rather than reasoning from it beforehand.
Cite this entry
APA

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

MLA

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

Chicago

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

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