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
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
What’s harder to discern is why so many mistook the results for something stuffy instead of a sharp, stealth comedy about the irrationalities of the supposedly rational.
—
A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
To those varieties of rational and sensual experience that do not wash over you, but that call you to live a fuller life.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Toss in the idea of eternal repetition, of being condemned to relive a single experience in that loneliness is enough to make a murderer out of the most rational, sane individual.
—Steve Greene, IndieWire, 12 Apr. 2025
The economic idea that people are purely rational, self-serving beings has been undermined by broad research over decades into psychology and behavioral economics.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
To those varieties of rational and sensual experience that do not wash over you, but that call you to live a fuller life.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Toss in the idea of eternal repetition, of being condemned to relive a single experience in that loneliness is enough to make a murderer out of the most rational, sane individual.
—Steve Greene, IndieWire, 12 Apr. 2025
The economic idea that people are purely rational, self-serving beings has been undermined by broad research over decades into psychology and behavioral economics.
—Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Halsey launched her acting career at the age of 7, playing Madeline Zott, the hyper intelligent — and wise — daughter of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) in Apple TV+ praised limited series Lessons In Chemistry.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
2 May 2025
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As organizations push for more adaptive, intelligent automation, AI agents are emerging as the next frontier, capable of handling complex workflows with greater flexibility and efficiency.—
Uli Erxleben,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Returning samples of the Martian surface to Earth for study is the logical next step in these efforts.—
Bruce Jakosky,
Space.com,
14 May 2025
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As a result, that has been seen as the most logical landing spot all along.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Eureka Innova Cordless Stick Multi-Surface Vacuum for $207: This is a good stick vacuum at a reasonable price.—
Nena Farrell,
Wired News,
3 May 2025
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More importantly, Senators fans should embrace being a fan base with reasonable and growing expectations after years without them.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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The way the series blended all these disparate elements into something not just coherent but transcendent was a stunning achievement.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
8 May 2025
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Any possible legislation is seemingly ages away, as if Congress ever does a coherent job of policing big tech in the first place.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
8 May 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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If somebody received a slap on the wrist for past threats or weapons incidents, then there are valid questions about how school authorities did their jobs.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
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The program was also smart enough to create valid Lego designs free of errors that adhered to the text prompt 100% of the time.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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With any luck these sensible changes will not be casualties of Trump’s high-risk omnibus strategy.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
10 May 2025
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Another year for Howard, who made nine league starts due to injury and loss of form among his younger peers, seems sensible, along with a loan elsewhere for Luke McNicholas.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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