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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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
  • Robbyant said the model’s capabilities extend beyond depth perception, enabling broader use cases in robotic vision and intelligent systems.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026
  • Santos is an intelligent player with lots of potential, and United nabbing him from a ‘Big Six’ rival would be the sort of clever deal that can keep them agile and competitive elsewhere in the summer transfer market.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of intelligent
Adjective
  • And Marte has already experienced professional success in Japan, making a return to NPB a logical next step after his latest setback in North America.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Taking the idea a step further, the authors took 940 problems from three math benchmark datasets and used an LLM to break down their logical structure into a set of premises and a final question.
    — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 8 July 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Part of what’s at work is a reasonable desire to give a party with more than its share of grizzled congressional veterans a jolt of youthful energy.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • This week prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 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
  • Editorially, the biggest challenge was giving the film a coherent throughline that interpreted the events for audiences in a comprehensible and entertaining way.
    — Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • But expansion that reinforces a coherent brand thesis and solves an actual customer need?
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 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
  • But there are valid reports about Minnesota’s interest in inking one of the sport’s all-time greats to a one-year deal.
    — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026
  • Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of valid
Adjective
  • That victory led, four years later, to the Coastal Act and creation of the Coastal Commission, whose job was to balance sensible development, habitat protection and conservation, and equitable public access.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Doctors need to know enough to have sensible, guiding conversations with their patients about dosage and consumption, among other things.
    — Peter Grinspoon, STAT, 9 July 2026
Definition of sensible

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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 15 Jul. 2026.

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