reasonable

1 of 2

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl 

ˈrēz-nə-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

d

: inexpensive

2

a

: having the faculty of reason

b

: possessing sound judgment

a reasonable man

reasonability

ˌrēz-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē, 

ˌrē-zᵊn-ə- 

noun

reasonableness

ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs, 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə- 

noun

reasonably

ˈrēz-nə-blē, 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə- 

adverb

reasonability

2 of 2

noun

rea·​son·​abil·​i·​ty ˌrēz-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌrē-zᵊn-ə-

: the quality or state of being reasonable : reasonableness

Synonyms of reasonable

Adjective

• logical
• rational
• valid
• coherent
• good
• sensible

Examples of reasonable in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

At the time the suit was filed, Spencer Lucas, an attorney representing the families with the firm Panish Shea Ravipudi, said that, although the deputy was responding to a call, law enforcement officers must operate with a reasonable level of safety and care. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Prize will be disbursed within a reasonable time after sweepstakes closing and prize winner acceptance, subject to coordination with the applicable prize providers and prize element providers. — AJC.com, 18 June 2026

That is a reasonable long-term thesis. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

These are both reasonable feelings — you’re entitled to your opinion. — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Phrases Containing reasonable

• beyond a reasonable doubt
• reasonable facsimile

Rhymes for reasonable

• seasonable
• treasonable
• unseasonable

Kids Definition

reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl 

-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

ˌrēz-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

-ᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonableness

ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs 

-ᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonably

-blē 

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

d

: commercially reasonable

2

: applying reason or logic

broadly : rational sense 1

a reasonable mind

reasonableness noun

reasonably adverb