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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 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 For now, their findings establish that changing the rules of probability does not necessarily remove the mathematical conditions that prevent rational agents from agreeing to disagree. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026 The point of the story is that people don’t make logical decisions; their rational minds are constantly in tension with their baser instincts. — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026 Clearly, the most mutually beneficial option is for neither rational actor to talk. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 17 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
  • By providing 24/7 availability and intelligent routing, AI contact centers can help reduce wait times, improve access and ensure no call for help goes unanswered.
    — Sameer Bhat, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • With every whimper, sigh, howl, bark and head tilt, these dogs create an empathetic portrayal of a highly intelligent creature that has been through battle and has the scars (and nightmares) to prove it.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • That work, first demonstrated at 12 logical qubits, extends directly into today’s result, as per the release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • As of July 2026, the current record is just under 100 logical qubits.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • No reasonable person looking at her case would have called her a threat to anyone.
    — Don Bacon, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Defense lawyer Dameka Davis told the jury prosecutors failed at the first task of a murder trial — to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim was dead.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 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
  • Boyle’s film struggles to find a compelling, coherent path from A to Z, but O’Connell is a powerhouse at its center.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In 2025, researchers at the institute developed an all-solid-state DUV laser capable of producing 193nm coherent light, the wavelength used by advanced DUV lithography systems.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 19 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
  • Payday loans Usually capped at $500, payday loans are a form of short-term financing that typically only require a valid ID, proof of income and an active checking account.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • All forms of grief are valid, and the beautiful thing about this story is that in the end there was finally a reunification between the two sides.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • Whatever a company decides today may not remain sensible six months from now.
    — Vinit Sahni, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Oakley has directed a new interpretation of the book, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones as the sensible Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles as her more emotive sister, Marianne.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 21 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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