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
But there are more rational and likely effective ways to do it than a showy calling in of the troops, generally against the wishes of governors and mayors, who often say they haven’t been contacted by the administration.
—
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Reducing disclosures and transparency means choking off the lifeblood, which keeps investors informed and prices rational.
—Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Encouraged by his partner’s rational responses and ability to move, Bill started Duane down the easiest route – a bear trail – to the lake.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Every argument has a rational, emotional, and rhetorical component.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
Reducing disclosures and transparency means choking off the lifeblood, which keeps investors informed and prices rational.
—Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Encouraged by his partner’s rational responses and ability to move, Bill started Duane down the easiest route – a bear trail – to the lake.
—Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Every argument has a rational, emotional, and rhetorical component.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Mark Simon is the VP of Strategy at Celigo, a leading intelligent automation platform, where he's helped thousands of ecommerce customers including major consumer brands in their digital integration and automation journeys.—
Mark Simon,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
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These intelligent dogs are highly active and energetic, but respond well to obedience training.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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On one hand, winning another chip will be at the forefront, so managing players toward the end of the regular season would be logical.—
Stan Son,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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So adding a unit in Nashville was the next logical move.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Bowie is quite wonderful as Tesla — mysterious, exotic yet somehow the film’s most reasonable man —while Andy Serkis as his assistant brings sly comedy to an otherwise morbidly serious affair.—
Kirk Honeycutt,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Oct. 2025
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If a landlord or property owner has a reasonable suspicion of a safety concern, such as a health emergency or damage to a residential property, they are allowed to enter without notice.—
Tamia Fowlkes,
jsonline.com,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Underwater performance inevitably loses some detail compared to traditional in-ear options, but the audio remains steady and coherent – ideal for pacing laps or long sessions where awareness and waterproofing matter more.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Oct. 2025
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The organization has deeper roots in the Palestinian Territories, an ideological foundation similar to that of Hamas, coherent leadership, and—crucially—the sustained backing of Iran.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Deliberative democracy is the idea that decision-making and governance are arrived at through thoughtful, reasoned and respectful dialogue.—
Lee Bebout,
The Conversation,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
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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
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Some of these critiques raise valid concerns.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
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In the battle against midlife hair thinning, extensions are a valid, if temporary, solution — one anyone in perimenopause or menopause might consider.—
Jessica Hartshorn,
Flow Space,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Here's the reasons why investing in this model is the most sensible option of the season.—
Teresa Romero Martínez,
Glamour,
11 Oct. 2025
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Even sensible yet fashionable sneakers are on sale, with the New Balance T500 Tennis Sneakers making an unbeatable selection for $80.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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