Rationalize
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2
Self-justification
Used when someone tries to justify a decision or action that others might question or doubt. After eating the whole cake, Laura tried to rationalize it as a reward for her hard work.
Pro Tip 2/2
Defensive Speech
People may sound defensive when they rationalize, as if arguing with an unseen critic. He rationalized his late arrival by blaming the traffic, though he had actually overslept.