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
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Recent Examples of rational
This research carries on not because anyone is doing a rational weighing of its costs and benefits, but because in the eyes of the law and of biomedical science, animals are morally invisible and thoroughly disposable.
—
Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 18 June 2025
Confined to her bed, Isla is given to violent fits and delusional behavior, slipping in and out of rational consciousness.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
This may be a financially rational move, but also a negative signal to shareholders looking for leverage.
—Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
But the over-the-top operation in South Park generated a nationwide debate, not all of it rational, and a unified response of condemnation from San Diego Democratic leaders, including four members of the local congressional delegation.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 18 June 2025
Confined to her bed, Isla is given to violent fits and delusional behavior, slipping in and out of rational consciousness.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
This may be a financially rational move, but also a negative signal to shareholders looking for leverage.
—Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
But the over-the-top operation in South Park generated a nationwide debate, not all of it rational, and a unified response of condemnation from San Diego Democratic leaders, including four members of the local congressional delegation.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Celebrate intelligent risk-taking, not just polished outcomes.—
Bill Fischer,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Oracle is seen as a logical partner, as the company has an existing agreement to host TikTok’s U.S. user data.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
18 June 2025
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While nothing is set in stone yet, this weekend would be the most logical time.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
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Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.—
Corey Pronman,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Just this week, the alliance released its first ever Commercial Space Strategy, stressing three goals – leveraging commercial solutions, ensuring continuous access during peace, crisis or conflict and bolstering coherent relationships with the commercial sector.—
Ruxandra Iordache,
CNBC,
27 June 2025
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This keeps every post, pitch and DM coherent, letting a solo founder ship consistently instead of chasing shiny tactics every other week.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
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Credit Gus Malzahn for being proactive and thinking long-term in choosing his starting quarterback.—
Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com,
al,
22 Aug. 2019
Adjective
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The Trump Accounts And Latinos To qualify, a child must be a U.S. citizen and have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident with a valid Social Security number who pays taxes.—
Noreen Sugrue,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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While the prenup is valid anywhere, another insider confirmed to Page Six that the divorce can only happen in Florida, which is Bezos and Sanchez’s state of primary residence.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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My students’ affront felt as sensible to me as expecting anatomy classes to flag each splay of flesh.—
erin Khuê Ninh
June 17,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2025
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Assuming the Guardians don’t chase down the Tigers and assert themselves as a juggernaut over the next six weeks, the most sensible method of buying would be an opportunistic move to address an issue not just for 2025, but for the future.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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