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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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 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 From the inside looking out, though, the perspective was considerably more rational and upbeat. — Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026 Founded by two British academics almost two decades ago, Effective Altruism is a philosophical movement whose core idea is that people should try to use rational processes to do the most good for the most people in the world. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 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
  • 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
  • Our tortured contemporary education is a logical outgrowth of its origin story.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • But with wingers like Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper, the logical spot for her was striker.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • The old boy was perfectly reasonable, explaining the difference between federal reimbursement and state reimbursement, and the speed that agencies move on the different levels.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The enforcement stems from Spotify’s requirement that family plan members reside at the same address—a seemingly reasonable policy in concept.
    — Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 23 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
  • 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
  • The technician gets one coherent answer instead of four tools to reconcile by hand, and the plant avoids the downtime that used to depend on one retiring expert’s memory.
    — Osman Koc, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 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
  • Radiation safety authorities approved the initial STUK evaluation in August 2026, paving the way for the government to grant an operating license valid through 2070.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Boaters who already have valid Mussel Fee Stickers do not have to pay the higher fee until their stickers expire, California State Parks confirmed Friday.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • Before expanding cameras into every neighborhood, there are more sensible, actionable solutions.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The California Coastal Act just turned 50, balancing sensible development with conservation and public access.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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