RATIONAL Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

rational

adjective

ˈrash-nəl

Definition of rational

as in intelligent

having the ability to reason human beings are rational creatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 So in the short term, these employers are arguably making an economically rational decision — but one that may still come at their employees’ expense. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026 Americans cast English severity as evidence of an old, corrupt political order and imagined their own laws as rational, proportionate and suited to free citizens. — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Defense can’t be too timid, but there needs to be rational response to an asymmetric downside. — Bob Ackerman, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Humans, in contrast, have souls that are additionally capable of rational thought. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rational

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational

Adjective

For much of the world, the AI that would matter most may not be the most intelligent model ever built.

— Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
This all-loving creator is ever present, completely good, and the intelligent source of immortal truth and unending love.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of intelligent

Adjective

Almost all the controls were electronic buttons, and the dashboard was entirely digital—two ideas that sound reasonable today but were nightmarishly complex in the mid-1970s.

— Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
The gap between the goal and the day becomes so wide that quitting feels reasonable.

— JJ Mazzo, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 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

Merle Haggard and even Bob Dylan find their essential subject in modernity’s threat to a coherent American mythology.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
Brands must increasingly decide how to combine trade fairs, showroom partnerships, existing buyer relationships and direct retail into a coherent sales strategy.

— Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of coherent

Adjective

But that won’t keep them from trying, and when people’s passions are aroused, and emotions crowd out reasoned thought, anything can happen.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of reasoned

Adjective

Meanwhile, real data infrastructure applies temporal reasoning, asking not just who an entity is, but precisely when that information was valid.

— Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Approximately six employees did not have valid California food handler cards available for review.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of valid

Adjective

Guests who think an occasional bottle of wine flung on the counter has rendered this custom obsolete should note that any sensible hostess will disagree.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
The most sensible corporate response is neither blind automation nor defensive denial.

— Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of sensible

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ration

rational

rationale

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“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of rational

adjective

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