rationalize vs modify

rationalize and modify both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
rationalize	No	No	Yes	No
modify	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, modify is a hypernym of rationalize; that is, modify is a word with a broader meaning than rationalize:

Other hypernyms of rationalize include alter, change.

rationalize (verb)	modify (verb)
weed out unwanted or unnecessary things	make less severe or harsh or extreme
remove irrational quantities from	add a modifier to a constituent
think rationally; employ logic or reason	cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
structure and run according to rational or scientific principles in order to achieve desired results