reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl
1
a
: being in accordance with reason
a reasonable theory
b
: not extreme or excessive
reasonable requests
c
: moderate, fair
a reasonable chance
a reasonable price
2
a
: having the faculty of reason
b
: possessing sound judgment
a reasonable man
reasonability
ˌrēz-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˌrē-zᵊn-ə-
noun
reasonableness
ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-
noun
reasonably
ˈrēz-nə-blē How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-
adverb

Examples of reasonable in a Sentence

We have reasonable cause not to believe him. She offered a reasonable compromise. It's not reasonable to expect perfect weather. Please be more reasonable. There is no way I'll be able to finish all this work in so little time. A reasonable man would not expect such a thing. Our boss has reasonable expectations of his employees. The team has a reasonable chance of winning. He makes a reasonable amount of money. The store's prices are reasonable. The hotel offers excellent accommodations at reasonable rates.
Recent Examples on the Web With a correction having restored prices to much more reasonable (if still above retail) levels, buyers have felt more inclined to pursue watches that better reflect their authentic interests. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 But in the absence of conclusions, conspiracy theories have flourished, even as scientists and independent investigators made the case that optical illusions, weather phenomena, scientific balloons or drones were reasonable causes of nearly all of the unexplained incidents. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The legal standard for preliminary hearings is much lower than the reasonable doubt standard given to juries in criminal cases. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 The absence of any reasonable basis to make such allegations is confirmed by your pleading itself… While proclaimed as facts, these allegations are missing every detail, including the who, where, and when. Meredith Woerner, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Matthews pointed out the differences between her organization and BMI now that the latter is a for-profit entity, saying that after taking a reasonable reserve — and covering expenses — 90 cents of every dollar is distributed to ASCAP songwriters. Ed Christman, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 But is a list of what to know and how to respond reasonable or even feasible in the case of bad leadership? Barbara Kellerman, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 But there are so many jobs that are just not reasonable for a human body to do. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2024 Spencer said in the final judgment that county officials produced inaccurate property assessments, failed to adequately notify property owners of certain rights and failed to process appeals in a reasonable timeline. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reasonable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reasonable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reasonable

Cite this Entry

“Reasonable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reasonable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reasonable

adjective
rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
-ᵊn-ə-bəl
1
a
: not beyond what is usual or expected : moderate
a reasonable request
a reasonable chance of success
b
: not expensive
reasonable prices
2
: able to reason : rational
a reasonable person
reasonability noun
reasonableness noun
reasonably adverb

Legal Definition

reasonable

adjective
rea·​son·​able
1
a
: being in accordance with reason, fairness, duty, or prudence
b
: of an appropriate degree or kind
c
: supported or justified by fact or circumstance
a reasonable belief that force was necessary for self-defense
2
: applying reason or logic
broadly : rational sense 1
a reasonable mind
reasonableness noun
reasonably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reasonable

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