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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 If that is true, and Clancy chose to kill herself and take her children with her, was her act rational? — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 If only the film had lingered longer on Vasarhelyi’s totally rational horror and disbelief. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 Pre-eminently rational and practical…his worldly wisdom effectively disguise[s] a shy and splendid idealism which is the very essence of the man. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026 Ma brings a happy zeal — and an artist’s eye for detail — to creating a sense of wonder, fantasy and futuristic freedom in a world limited by boring, rational constraints. — Los Angeles Times, 2 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
  • Silicon Labs said the new laboratory expands its ability to develop secure and intelligent wireless technologies as demand for connected devices grows.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Just over four months later, Google introduced Universal Cart, an intelligent shopping cart that allows consumers to add products from different retailers and purchase them through a single checkout.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Morris contributed a logical note to sneaky goings-on, and Lupus made his silent bit seem credible.
    — Ed Olmstead, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
  • These athletes, many of whom are 22 or 23 years old, have logical reasons to extend their collegiate sports careers into their mid-20s or beyond.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 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
  • Finance, operations, technology and business leaders may all have reasonable ideas for improvement, but a collection of individual initiatives does not automatically become a coherent turnaround strategy.
    — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Osteopathic medical education intentionally integrates biomedical, clinical, health systems and biomechanical sciences, and concepts aligned with complexity science into a coherent framework for physician formation.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 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
  • Hardware or firmware that has already been used and studied in academic or institutional settings can be a sensible place to start, particularly when there is published technical evidence and an experienced user community behind it.
    — Aaron Timm, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The three writers attempted to balance overall talent with building a sensible basketball team.
    — Victor Wembanyama, New York Times, 9 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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