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 Falwell championed a vision of America rooted in obedience to biblical authority and conformity with traditional values, placing him in tension with Enlightenment principles like individual rights, rational inquiry, and free thought. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 Often, the conspiracy theories around this case—like most conspiracy theories—are premised on rational questions. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 If a movie becomes available at home almost immediately, consumers have a rational reason to wait. — Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 But then again, there's nothing rational about SpaceX's valuation, so who knows. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 21 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
  • Our hardware-agnostic capabilities expedite industrial adoption of Physical AI, while building the foundation that will support the next generation of intelligent robotic systems, including industrial humanoids.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Xiaomi moves beyond Nvidia Xiaomi’s existing electric vehicles have relied on Nvidia hardware for their intelligent-driving systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Von Neumann himself helped develop it as a potential remedy for some logical inconsistencies with Hilbert space that troubled him.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
  • There is no logical world in which Sanders can be a backup to a rookie quarterback next year in Cleveland.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Taxpayers may qualify for relief due to a good compliance history, reasonable cause, or a statutory exception.
    — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • He’s also pushed to make sure The Gilded Age returned with new seasons as soon as was reasonable (those fancy parties and elaborate sets take time) and is looking to return Game of Thrones spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on an annual basis.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 28 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
  • Want to make your messages sound more posh, or more academic, or just more coherent?
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Jack in the Box has some of the same ingredients — an irreverent brand voice, a broad menu and a willingness to experiment — but needs to turn them into a more coherent proposition.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 21 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
  • Spouses generally inherit a minimum portion of the estate (usually one-third or two-thirds), though the right can be waived in a valid premarital or post marital agreement.
    — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The prosecutor said the number appeared valid but acknowledged the material did not establish an issuance date.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • Matching queries to documents in the same language feels sensible.
    — Faisal Saeed, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 A messy process at work is finally ready for a sensible fix.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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