1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason
human beings are rational creatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The cards are designed to interrupt the rational mind, and to introduce productive chaos into processes that may feel rigid.
—
Jennifer Sodini, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
There are rational questions about the wisdom of spending so much money to fling handfuls of people into deep space at great risk and far outside the chance of rescue.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
When medicated, Lofton is thoughtful and rational, just like in years past, his mother said.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
Ashe is a rocket ship that can’t be reined in, and watching the restrained, comparably rational Coop try to lasso him is reliably entertaining.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Jennifer Sodini, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
There are rational questions about the wisdom of spending so much money to fling handfuls of people into deep space at great risk and far outside the chance of rescue.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
When medicated, Lofton is thoughtful and rational, just like in years past, his mother said.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
Ashe is a rocket ship that can’t be reined in, and watching the restrained, comparably rational Coop try to lasso him is reliably entertaining.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Xuechun Wang, a post-doctoral researcher at QMUL, specializes in applying machine learning algorithms to building intelligent sensors.—
Maureen Mackey , Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Rats are also highly intelligent.—
Scott Simon,
NPR,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In the absence of a money tree, the only logical response to a budget deficit is to make adjustments on the expense side.—
Harvey Levine,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
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An injury settlement feels like the most logical path at this point.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The union also wants to ensure that workers have a reasonable amount of overtime, mandatory overtime and on-call hours, Beck said.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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Its reasonable prices combined with the speedy, mobile-friendly claims process make this brand an excellent option for many travelers.—
Liz Knueven,Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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When people engage in meaning-making – reflecting on their experiences and incorporating them into a coherent life narrative – brain networks associated with emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility become more active.—
Keith M. Bellizzi,
The Conversation,
13 Apr. 2026
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Not a new one every year, but a coherent, sustained commitment to supporting and educating student in every zip code.—
Opinion Staff,
Oc Register,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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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
Adjective
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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
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Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
Adjective
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Capacity is limited and Boston Stadium Express bus tickets can only be purchased by fans with a valid, same-day FIFA World Cup Boston Stadium match ticket.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
14 Apr. 2026
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And, starting this year and continuing through 2028, eligible taxpayers age 65 or older with a valid Social Security number may claim an additional deduction of up to $6,000 per person or up to $12,000 for married couples filing jointly (if both spouses qualify).—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Team devotion may not be sensible.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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The idea of suspending the state’s gas tax has arisen yet again, a sensible idea in tough times.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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