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 They’re now being told by the architects of that system that adaptation is the only rational response. — Reid Litman, Fortune, 5 July 2026 Mizuno the Human Vapor was eloquent and rational, a flesh-and-blood man believably warped by power, still in touch with human emotions. — Rory Doherty, Time, 3 July 2026 Perhaps there was a rational explanation for the man outside her apartment. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026 The Education Department’s primary rational seems to be rooted in legal formalism and a plan to protect taxpayers. — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 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
  • The disagreements were intelligent, experienced, and specific — and reading them in bulk did not soften my view.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Both Blink and Wyze offer intelligent outdoor cameras that can withstand the elements while recording activities day or night.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • Sholl also notes that the largest station groups may not immediately rush to buy competitors because many of the most logical acquirers are already shouldering a lot of debt.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 July 2026
  • At a glance, de-normalizing alcohol consumption seems like a logical next step after cracking down on smoking.
    — Tim Brinkhof, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Judging by the latest Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, that seems a reasonable assumption.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026
  • The political statements made in Nolan’s version are the same ones made in Homer’s poem, or at the very least a reasonable interpretation of the anti-war sentiments therein.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 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
  • In these emerging ecosystems, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, employers, workforce development organizations, and community leaders work together to create coherent pathways for students.
    — Gennaro Piraino, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The proportions look coherent, and the surfaces are aerodynamic without looking experimental.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 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
  • The deal is valid at participating Wendy's locations nationwide for dine-in, carry out and via the drive-thru for orders placed on the Wendy's app or website.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 18 July 2026
  • By exposing the model to multiple valid solutions, GIFT broadens its understanding of how CAD designs can be constructed.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • With the loss of local NBC affiliates, Telemundo, nine regional sports channels, and 32 national channels, Fubo made the sensible but rare decision to lower subscription prices in December.
    — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • Roseman’s decision to bring back Goedert and pair him with a draft pick (second-round pick Eli Stowers) and inexpensive free agents was a more sensible solution.
    — Zach Berman, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of sensible

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Cite this Entry

“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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