1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason
human beings are rational creatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in logical
according to the rules of logic
insisted there was a rational explanation for the strange creaking noises and that there were no such things as ghosts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information
betting all of your savings on the lottery is not a rational move
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rational
The rational response is to stop working.
—
Nicole Jorwic,
STAT,
23 June 2026
The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
22 June 2026
Such a motion is rarely granted and requires a judge to find that no rational jury could find the defendant guilty.
—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
Often labeled as a cynical generation, their economic circumstances reframe their contract as a rational response to watching their parents’ generation get laid off after decades of faithful service.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Nicole Jorwic,
STAT,
23 June 2026
The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
22 June 2026
Such a motion is rarely granted and requires a judge to find that no rational jury could find the defendant guilty.
—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
Often labeled as a cynical generation, their economic circumstances reframe their contract as a rational response to watching their parents’ generation get laid off after decades of faithful service.
—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
-
The human brain is the ultimate existence proof that intelligent systems that are vastly more energy-efficient than today’s AI are physically possible.
-
It was revered for its intelligent satire of modern society and materialism, providing sight gags and slapstick humor for kids while proving relatable for young adults learning to navigate life.
Adjective
-
Following the logical evidence feels like Detective 101, but their boss is gunning for an arrest so Gonzales gives in to Baxter’s impulse.
-
Under this framework, participating engineering teams must successfully demonstrate operational quantum hardware that utilizes a specific range of low-hundreds logical qubits before the 2028 deadline.
Adjective
-
To prove religious discrimination in the workplace, a party needs to prove disparate treatment or that the employer failed to make reasonable accommodations for someone trying to practice their religious beliefs.
-
Use earphones for music and movies and keep conversations at a reasonable volume.
Adjective
-
Humor can release the writer from values of the past, along with judgment and disapproval, and instead, humor can become the very conduit for re-thinking events.
-
Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.
Adjective
-
Rather than sending more operational details to the board, reporting should give executive management an accurate, comprehensive and coherent view of risk exposure across the organization.
-
The ultimate challenge is assembling those individuals into a coherent, victorious team.
Adjective
-
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
-
This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
Adjective
-
Club sources insist the process of finding a successor to Marco Silva remains ongoing and that comments made last week by Fulham vice chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan that there were two leading candidates for the role remain valid.
-
Yet amidst the hype, scientists working in the aging field are broadly in agreement that the underlying notion is valid.
Adjective
-
Whatever the case, your approach will be doable and sensible.
-
Any sensible person wants a diversified portfolio.
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
