reasonable

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

Synonyms of reasonable

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

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

The battle for political advantage ahead of elections should not obscure a reasonable expectation that governments can intervene to soften the pain of citizens, said Vahyala Kwaga, country head for Nigeria at policy research group BudgIT. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

The reasonable accommodation request would allow a 40-person group living facility at the location. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026

The Capricorn Moon squares the Libra Sun, and what one person considers reasonable may not match another person’s idea of fair. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

According to the report, the physical evidence from the scene could show that Williams tried to speed up and squeeze past Perez’s car, creating reasonable doubt that the officer acted with criminal recklessness. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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