1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason
human beings are rational creatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rational
What looks like a mistake when judged against idealized models of rational choice may instead be a sensible response to real-world uncertainty.
—
Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
At the same time, Director of Portfolio Analysis Jeff Marks mentioned that for investors looking to raise cash, booking some gains is rational.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
As the investigation unfolds, the narrative pivots between rational inquiry and collective paranoia.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
Once every application looks polished, none stand out—and the rational employer either outsources the reading to AI or stops reading altogether.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
At the same time, Director of Portfolio Analysis Jeff Marks mentioned that for investors looking to raise cash, booking some gains is rational.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
As the investigation unfolds, the narrative pivots between rational inquiry and collective paranoia.
—Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026
Once every application looks polished, none stand out—and the rational employer either outsources the reading to AI or stops reading altogether.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Flexible loads, intelligent storage, and advanced demand coordination should be treated as capacity resources in grid planning, with regulatory frameworks updated accordingly.—
Brian Barlow,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
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This innovation signals a shift toward more intelligent, cooperative, and autonomous forms of warfare.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Read it and explain to me, in detail, every flaw in my argument, every logical inconsistency, and every way my evidence is weak.—
Vivienne Ming,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2026
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This is the logical, expedient, correct thing to do.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Marlins under this owner have no reasonable way out of this rut of building on the cheap toward a future that never gets here.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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Claims against the bank of negligent failure to prevent physical harm and reasonable care as a banking institution, and aiding and abetting trafficking violations in the initial complaint, were dismissed by Rakoff in mid-February.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This history hardly adds up to a coherent political program.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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There are no coherent debates to be had about the absolute necessity to immunize children for both their individual benefit and the preservation of public health as a whole.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Nov. 2025
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Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
Adjective
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The waiver will remain valid for up to three years, but Licata plans to pursue his Texas certification before that, Geren said.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
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The remaining provisions of these Official Rules will continue to be valid and enforceable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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From an ecological or evolutionary perspective, those same decisions can look adaptive, efficient and sensible given the environments in which they are made.—
Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
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Just team it with a pair of wide-leg pants and a trench coat for a luxe workwear ensemble in an instant, then add a touch of monochromatic contrast with a black tote bag and sensible granny heels.—
Clare Holden,
Glamour,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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