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 Nature as environment, as landscape, as a force beyond the rational, and as a place where beauty and a primeval absence of bad intentions come together, has become either a commodity or an endangered space. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 Her mental health afterward Two forensic psychiatrists testified Monday that Clancy appeared clear-headed and rational in the days after the killings. — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 There can be no rational justification to support this explicitly partisan maneuver. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 5 Aug. 2026 Political scientists say such voters don’t always act as rational strategists, often skipping the race or relying on simple cues like gender, incumbency or local ties rather than ideological moderation. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 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
  • That so many otherwise intelligent people missed the warning signs is a testament to the power of his message and the force of his charisma.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
  • For example, Anderson has one client who’s 35, good looking and tall and in finance, who also wants a gorgeous and intelligent girl.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • The common thought is that Boris is actually Doctor Strange, the magic-wielder being a logical choice for an appearance alongside Doom (or at least some evil variant of him).
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • What to See and Do In Duluth The North Shore begins where I-35 ends in Duluth—a city that is a great weekend getaway by itself and a logical spot to spend at least one night before your North Shore Scenic Drive trip.
    — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • What starts as a reasonable desire to prevent disease can escalate into constant testing and rigid routines built around an ever-growing roster of supplements and experimental remedies.
    — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The argument about competition against girl athletes is a reasonable one, though apparently very limited in number of events and any advantages.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 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
  • This is the phase where the volume of data outpaced the organizational capacity to do anything coherent with it.
    — Sid Banerjee, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Spain’s superpower was a coherent tactical system that no other national team — or their respective talismans — could find an answer to.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Definition of reasoned
Adjective
  • The draft ordinance would require landlords to provide a valid reason before evicting a tenant or declining to renew their lease.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Patterson said summertime learning loss is a valid worry, but his proposal doesn’t call for a longer summer or fewer hours in the classroom.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • The conversation in Springfield about sensible housing reforms shouldn’t end, but given there’s no time to lose, complementary ideas can help bridge the gap between now and whenever Illinois gets its act together.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Governments and school districts also have a role to play by adopting sensible policies and regulations.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensible

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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 17 Aug. 2026.

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