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
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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
Until enforcement imposes consequences that exceed benefits, AI washing will persist as a rational business strategy rather than a risk to a business’s reputation.
—
Suvrat Dhanorkar, The Conversation, 18 May 2026
Economists might call it rational behavior.
—Alexander Foster, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
In the face of what all agree is a housing crisis, Onni’s residential plan will have to wait at least a decade for a more rational City Council.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
And in a low-hire, low-fire market where the math genuinely doesn’t favor moving, that paralysis — quiet, invisible, and structurally rational — may be one of the most consequential labor stories of 2026.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Suvrat Dhanorkar, The Conversation, 18 May 2026
Economists might call it rational behavior.
—Alexander Foster, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
In the face of what all agree is a housing crisis, Onni’s residential plan will have to wait at least a decade for a more rational City Council.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
And in a low-hire, low-fire market where the math genuinely doesn’t favor moving, that paralysis — quiet, invisible, and structurally rational — may be one of the most consequential labor stories of 2026.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 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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Allow reasonable discipline in school.—
Matthew Stolle,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2026
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If reasonable, open windows and turn off air conditioning at night to let cooler air in, then shut the windows and shades in the morning to trap the cool air inside, Trane recommends.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
23 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 24 May. 2026.
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