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
President Donald Trump’s court challenge failed during his first term because his administration did not provide the U.S. Supreme Court with a rational government basis for terminating the program.
—
Darren Soto, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
The court's majority found that Tennessee's law is not subject to a heightened level of judicial review and satisfies the most deferential standard, known as rational basis.
—June 18, CBS News, 18 June 2025
The lowest level is known as rational basis review, and almost every law looked at that way is upheld.
—Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
The majority opinion held only that in this case, the Tennessee law is subject to rational basis review.
—Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Darren Soto, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
The court's majority found that Tennessee's law is not subject to a heightened level of judicial review and satisfies the most deferential standard, known as rational basis.
—June 18, CBS News, 18 June 2025
The lowest level is known as rational basis review, and almost every law looked at that way is upheld.
—Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
The majority opinion held only that in this case, the Tennessee law is subject to rational basis review.
—Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
-
This demographic is intelligent, tech-savvy and often more financially empowered than younger consumers.—
Lara Devgan,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Maresca would be sensible to look at the way Brighton utilise their wingers with intelligent out-to-in runs from the touchline, exploiting spaces in behind when the likes of Joao Pedro pull opposition defensive lines out of shape.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Greater Robustness And Reliability: Better equipped to handle out-of-distribution data and novel scenarios safely and reliably by incorporating safety parameters, constraints and logical invariants.—
Anuradha Weeraman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Taking this approach minimizes the frustration of figuring out where to store something and ensures everything has a logical place in your home.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Seeing penalty abatement for reasonable cause can also be time-consuming and expensive so preventing the misclassification is a better course of action.—
Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Additionally, the Saudi Gazette reported that the minister emphasized Riyadh is following a consistent and coherent approach that balances vision and transition implementation.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
With more than 1 billion people now living with obesity, effective therapies available but out of reach for many, and no coherent or ethical way to prioritize care and limited resources, an objective clinical diagnosis of obesity was more urgent than ever.—
Francesco Rubino,
Time,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
-
Credit Gus Malzahn for being proactive and thinking long-term in choosing his starting quarterback.—
Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com,
al,
22 Aug. 2019
Adjective
-
Valley Metro will recognize the event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
-
Westchester Cultural Arts Center, 7930 SW 40th St., Miami COST: $30 general admission, $25 for seniors and students with valid ID.—
Maité Hernández-Lorenzo Artburst Miami,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
But thanks to sensible regulations and a strong potential upside, its industry is starting to light up, and Forbes has created a guide to navigating the cannabis laws across the EU and the United Kingdom.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
Taking Shoaib Bashir out of the firing line seems sensible, too.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share