backward rationalizing

A form of backward rationalize — 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

verb
  1. gerundparticiplepresentpresent participle and gerund of backward rationalize
Cite this entry
APA

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

MLA

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

Chicago

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

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