reasoning
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for reasoning, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The process of thinking through something logically to reach a conclusion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use reasoning
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “reasoning” mean?
The word “reasoning” means the process of thinking through something logically to reach a conclusion. In plain terms, the line of logical thought that leads someone to a conclusion or decision.
How do you pronounce “reasoning”?
“Reasoning” is pronounced REE-zuh-nihng (/ˈɹiːzənɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “reasoning” in a sentence?
Here is “reasoning” used in a sentence: “His reasoning behind the decision made perfect sense once he explained it.”
What part of speech is “reasoning”?
“Reasoning” is a noun.
Is “reasoning” a common word?
“Reasoning” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between reasoning and logic?
Logic is the formal system of rules that determines which conclusions validly follow from which premises, while reasoning is the actual mental process of thinking something through to reach a conclusion. Reasoning can follow logic strictly, but everyday reasoning is often looser, mixing evidence, experience, and judgement.
What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning starts from general premises and draws a conclusion that must be true if those premises are true, as in a mathematical proof. Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to a broader conclusion that is likely but not guaranteed. Both are ways of thinking through something logically to reach a conclusion.
Is reasoning countable or uncountable?
Reasoning is normally uncountable: you say "her reasoning was sound," not "a reasoning." The plural form "reasonings" is rare in modern English and mostly confined to older or academic writing.
What are common collocations with reasoning?
Frequent pairings include "line of reasoning," "the reasoning behind" a decision, and adjectives such as sound, flawed, logical, and circular reasoning. "Faulty reasoning" describes an argument whose steps do not actually support its conclusion.