1. weed out unwanted or unnecessary things

e.g. We had to lose weight, so we cut the sugar from our diet

Synonym: cutprunerationalize

2. remove irrational quantities from

e.g. This function can be rationalized

Synonym: rationalize

3. think rationally
employ logic or reason

e.g. When one wonders why one is doing certain things, one should rationalize

Synonym: rationalize

4. defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning

e.g. rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior
he rationalized his lack of success

Synonym: apologizeapologiseexcusejustifyrationalize

5. structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results

e.g. We rationalized the factory's production and raised profits

Synonym: rationalize