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
Most people who subscribe to scientific materialism take it to be so obviously correct that it could not be denied by any rational person who truly understood it.
—
Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Perardi tried to stay rational.
—Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
This disconnect between individual choice and individual benefit represents not merely an economic inefficiency but a philosophical failure to respect the rational agency of health care consumers.
—Jared Rhoads, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026
Caesar failed to anticipate that stakeholders make decisions based on more than rational arguments only and that establishing peace meant winning hearts as well as minds.
—Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
Perardi tried to stay rational.
—Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
This disconnect between individual choice and individual benefit represents not merely an economic inefficiency but a philosophical failure to respect the rational agency of health care consumers.
—Jared Rhoads, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026
Caesar failed to anticipate that stakeholders make decisions based on more than rational arguments only and that establishing peace meant winning hearts as well as minds.
—Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Black bears are one of Carr's favorite animals, as their playful antics and uncanny idiosyncrasies reveal an intelligent soul behind beady eyes.—
Shi En Kim,
AZCentral.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Heldman and Nicholson’s lucid, intelligent script thus assigns characters very different, more nuanced motivations from those we are used to in iterations of this story.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The fourth statement is a logical extension, suggesting that baking soda might be particularly valuable for, say, climbing mountains or cycling over alpine passes.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside,
25 Feb. 2026
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The logical assumption here would be that a cooperative mode was discussed at some point.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The prosecution detailed nine separate errors made by Plamberger during the climb—from failing to bring bivy gear to failing to abide by a reasonable turnaround time—which collectively suggest a charge of gross negligence.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
21 Feb. 2026
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Counties with moratoriums Counties use moratoriums to buy time to write new zoning and regulation for wind and solar farms, sometimes to craft reasonable laws and sometimes to craft bans.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For the skier who wants a coherent look without compromise, Moncler delivers solutions from head to toe.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
25 Feb. 2026
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The whole night seemed driven by gimmicks more than a clear or coherent message, and was devoid of any new policy ideas that would be obvious wins for GOP lawmakers.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
25 Feb. 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 camp’s current license is valid until March 6, according to the suit.—
Emily Foxhall,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
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Entrant will need to have a valid X account to enter.—
CBS LA Staff,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Developers and city officials praised the changes as modest and sensible reforms that will boost the impact of dozens of pro-housing updates and policies the council has approved in recent years.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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Schumer’s grasp of generational dynamics is increasingly in question, but there are sensible reasons for caution.—
Tad Friend,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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