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
From a distance, other systems appeared more humane, more rational — a refuge from our own frustrations.
—
Nisha Narayanan, STAT, 5 June 2026
Tatiana is the softer, sweeter, more introspective and rational of the Larina sisters.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
But because neither company can be certain the other will hold the line – and because being left behind is not a good option – the rational choice is to discard safety measures.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Part of the rational for the tax measure was to help offset federal social service cuts.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Nisha Narayanan, STAT, 5 June 2026
Tatiana is the softer, sweeter, more introspective and rational of the Larina sisters.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
But because neither company can be certain the other will hold the line – and because being left behind is not a good option – the rational choice is to discard safety measures.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Part of the rational for the tax measure was to help offset federal social service cuts.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Future EVs may function as intelligent assistants, constantly analyzing conditions and offering guidance in the background.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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The Brazilian stands at 183cm (6ft) and is very intelligent at using his body to maximise any attempt to win the ball.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Adjective
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To overcome this, researchers use quantum error correction, a process that spreads information across multiple physical qubits to create more reliable logical qubits.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 June 2026
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Past and present are utilized in such a fascinating way as the filmmaker takes his premise to a logical, honest and heartfelt conclusion.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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That's so important, because this isn't about reasonable disputes on policy.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
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The most reasonable objection to this view is that resilience returns are too diffuse to underwrite, that avoided losses do not show up in a project’s revenue line the way tolls or tariffs do.—
Ravi S. Bhalla,
Fortune,
13 June 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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The economic model that funds it—brands spending on content as a long-game alternative to Google ad arbitrage, companies like HubSpot and Robinhood building editorial operations to cultivate readers who might one day become customers — is coherent and, for now, growing.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
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As the slightly more sensible Tess, Ginger Minj is the glue of the production, ably carrying the heavy burden of turning the very silly storyline into something broadly coherent.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
9 June 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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Shortly after that, Butts wrote directly to Kroenke seeking to ease tensions with Hollywood Park, where SoFi Stadium is located, and questioned whether a prior development agreement was still valid.—
Christopher Damien,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
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All participants 17 and younger who register by Tuesday, June 30, will receive a free general admission ticket to the 2026 San Diego County Fair, valid Fridays through Sundays from June 12 to July 5.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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What Blinken and the others on the panel had to say was sober and sensible.—
Missy Ryan,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
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As the slightly more sensible Tess, Ginger Minj is the glue of the production, ably carrying the heavy burden of turning the very silly storyline into something broadly coherent.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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