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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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

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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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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 This is not to impugn the nobility of counting, of the close and careful observation of nature, of the rational, ordered efforts to understand it. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 The fact, in other words, that there often isn’t a right answer or a clear victor—and that rational people are subject to irrational forces within and above them. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 Mathematicians have long known that some polynomial equations have only rational solutions, while others have irrational solutions (such as ). — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • Legitimate concerns about abuse can be mitigated through intelligent regulation, not by eliminating a long-standing policing tool.
    — Rafael A. Mangual, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • View gallery - 3 images There was a time when intelligent rings were what your level-three wizard wore in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Now five decades in the business, the company framed the launch as the next logical step for a brand with products that are built to last and to be passed on between friends, families, and now shoppers.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Eight of the trophies the club won under Mansour came during the years under investigation, so handing them over to the teams that finished behind City while following the rules seems like a logical solution.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • North Carolina has embraced pro-economic growth policies, like lower taxes and reasonable regulations.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 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
  • Recovery, when it’s required, is faster and more coherent because all stakeholders are working from the same operational picture.
    — Abha Dogra, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • By entangling 30 logical qubits in a single, coherent quantum state, Infleqtion has validated the core architecture of its Sqale hardware and Superstaq software, on its roadmap to deliver 100 logical qubits by 2028.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 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
  • Indeed, there can be valid reasons for high-net-worth individuals and families to do a Section 351 exchange, said Joshua Norman, principal in the Bardstown, Kentucky, office of Cerity Partners.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes cast, excluding blank and null ballots.
    — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • Put your resources toward what feels meaningful, not merely sensible.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Sun is worth being sensible about, since sun exposure over time can add dark spots and contribute to visual signs of aging.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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