Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A self-described "blue-state person," and "aging hippie," she had rationalized it by reminding herself that she would be moving to a liberal city.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 14, 2021
Moore had rationalized turning down the Red Sox by telling himself that they had already done the once-in-a-generation thing in 2004, winning the Series after an 86-year wait.
From New York Times ● Jul. 8, 2012
Malone had rationalized it out for himself that way, and had got just far enough to do things the quick and easy way, and not quite far enough to feel undisturbed about it.
From Occasion for Disaster by Randall Garrett
Malone had rationalized it out for himself that way, and had gotten just far enough to do things the quick and easy way and not quite far enough to feel undisturbed about it.
From Supermind by Laurence M. Janifer
Years before she had rationalized her behavior toward young men by inventing a code.
From Gargoyles by Ben Hecht
