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rational

adjective

ˈrash-nəl How to pronounce rational (audio)
Definition of rationalnext
1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason human beings are rational creatures

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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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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

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 The ballroom, however, almost seems like a rational investment compared with the arch that Trump wants to build in front of America’s most hallowed ground. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026 For now, their findings establish that changing the rules of probability does not necessarily remove the mathematical conditions that prevent rational agents from agreeing to disagree. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026 The point of the story is that people don’t make logical decisions; their rational minds are constantly in tension with their baser instincts. — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026 Clearly, the most mutually beneficial option is for neither rational actor to talk. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
  1. intelligent
  2. logical
  3. reasonable
  4. thinking
  5. coherent
  6. reasoned
  7. valid
  8. sensible
Adjective
  • Anthropic this week detailed how its model Claude is helping the company to develop the next, more intelligent version of itself.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The suspect was described by Palencia as an intelligent student and active taekwondo practitioner.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • That work, first demonstrated at 12 logical qubits, extends directly into today’s result, as per the release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • As of July 2026, the current record is just under 100 logical qubits.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • The defense acknowledged the affair but argued the state had built its case on a theory of motive and would be unable to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Twenty-five states have called for a constitutional amendment to restore the ability of Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on money in elections.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • 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
  • Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.
    — Keith BieryGolick, Cincinnati.com, 28 Aug. 2019
Definition of thinking
Adjective
  • Boyle’s film struggles to find a compelling, coherent path from A to Z, but O’Connell is a powerhouse at its center.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In 2025, researchers at the institute developed an all-solid-state DUV laser capable of producing 193nm coherent light, the wavelength used by advanced DUV lithography systems.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Adjective
  • According to the Department of State, the passport must be valid for at least three months beyond departure, with a blank page available for each stamp.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Officers stopped a car matching that description on Monday and arrested Sevilla, who was driving with an open container of alcohol and without a valid driver's license, police said.
    — Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • Whatever a company decides today may not remain sensible six months from now.
    — Vinit Sahni, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Oakley has directed a new interpretation of the book, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as the sensible Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles as her more emotive sister, Marianne.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensible

Browse Nearby Words

ration
rational
rationale
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Cite this Entry

“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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