1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason
human beings are rational creatures
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rational
Attempts to discuss it with her in a rational manner are futile.
—
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Xu suggests that timing decisions are often rational and context-dependent.
—William Jones, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Facing that, disbanding a unit is a rational response.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
His works’ refusal to adhere to rational ways of thinking is intentional.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Xu suggests that timing decisions are often rational and context-dependent.
—William Jones, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Facing that, disbanding a unit is a rational response.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
His works’ refusal to adhere to rational ways of thinking is intentional.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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In a world where intelligent systems can respond to events faster than any human team, reactive leadership loses its edge.—
Rhett Power,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
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The device incorporates controllable blades, on-board batteries and intelligent control systems, aimed at optimizing its operation in real conditions of operation on the high seas.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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Work with that element of chance because learning to enjoy embracing—working with it—is fun and fun isn’t logical, and logic isn’t always your ally in that initial stage of creation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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Claiming early—at 62—to generate income to service debt might seem logical but typically costs significantly more over the long run than delaying to 70 and paying down debt from other sources in the interim.—
Jason Kirsch,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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In a debate for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in Iowa this month, one of the moderators, Erin Murphy, asked the candidates, Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, both state legislators, a reasonable, if downbeat, question.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
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The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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From the standpoint of productivity, however, ephemera often seems counter to efficiency—to getting a coherent story down on paper and ready for publication as soon as humanly possible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
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Over time and when managed well, these practices shape how individuals relate to the work, to one another and the business as a whole, thus keeping the company coherent even as conditions change.—
Naira Velumyan,
Forbes.com,
20 May 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 unidentified driver, who remains in the Grapevine Jail, was arrested and faces charges of operation of a vehicle in the closed section of park/lake, no valid boat registration and numerous water safety equipment violations, police said.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 May 2026
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Police said McDaniel remains in jail as of Tuesday, charged with operation of a vehicle in a closed section of the lake, not having a valid boat registration and other water safety equipment violations.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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The most sensible near-term opportunities are therefore not necessarily giant greenfield projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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This sounds like Secretary Mullin has been reevaluating what his predecessor had gone into to more of a stable, sensible approach.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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