defy reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defy reason" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing actions or beliefs that go against logical thinking or rationality. An example: "His decision to invest in that failing company seemed to defy reason." Alternative expressions include "contradict logic" and "challenge rationality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The numbers defy reason.

The New York Times - Sports

They also defy reason.

The New York Times - Books

Intended to defy reason, it does.

The New Yorker

Often, our fears defy reason and statistics.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no quarterback controversy in Detroit, but Stafford's struggles certainly defy reason.

The New York Times

Its inscrutable actions defy reason more than Arcadios' trickle of blood.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But superstition defies reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such cruelty defies reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even that job description defies reason.

The New York Times - Books

That innings defied reason, sense, history, technique and precedent.

The Guardian - Sport

The moment defies reason and thwarts syntax, reason's trusted viceroy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with a preceding noun that describes an action, event or emotion, such as "fears that "defy reason"" or "actions that "defy reason""

Common error

Do not use "defy reasons" when you mean the situation is illogical. While you can defy multiple specific justifications (reasons), the idiomatic phrase "defy reason" uses the singular abstract noun to refer to the faculty of logic itself

Linguistic Context

In linguistic terms, "defy reason" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "defy" acts as the action and "reason" serves as the direct object. According to Ludwig, it typically serves as the predicate of a sentence to characterize a subject as being outside the bounds of rational thought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defy reason" is a powerful linguistic tool for highlighting the absurd, the mysterious or the irrational. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in top-tier publications, where it is used to describe everything from market fluctuations to human behavior that contradicts logical self-interest. It is grammatically robust and semantically precise, making it an excellent choice for writers who wish to emphasize that a situation has transcended standard explanation. While synonyms like "defy logic" are available, "defy reason" carries a slightly more profound, philosophical weight that remains a favorite among critics and scholars alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defy logic

Uses a more technical or formal synonym for reason

fly in the face of logic

A more colorful, metaphorical way to describe a direct contradiction

elude rational explanation

More descriptive and formal, suggesting a mystery that cannot be solved

violate rationality

Academic and precise, focusing on the breach of logical principles

contradict common sense

Emphasizes the violation of practical, everyday judgment

be beyond comprehension

Suggests the subject is completely outside human understanding

beggar belief

An idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme incredulity

strain credulity

Focuses on the difficulty of believing the situation rather than the logic itself

stand outside reason

Implies a transcendental or spiritual quality that logic cannot touch

make no sense

A simpler, more conversational alternative for everyday context

FAQs

How do I use "defy reason" in a sentence?

You can use it as a predicate to describe something illogical. For example: "The market's sudden surge seemed to "defy reason" given the economic forecast".

What can I say instead of "defy reason"?

Depending on your tone, you can use alternatives like "defy logic", "beggar belief" or "contradict common sense".

Is "defy reason" too formal for casual writing?

It is neutral to slightly formal. While perfectly understandable in conversation, it is most frequently found in journalism and literature. For a very casual setting, "makes no sense" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "defy reason" and "defy logic"?

They are nearly identical, but "defy logic" often implies a technical or systemic error, while "defy reason" can suggest a broader, more philosophical or human absurdity.