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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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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PCMag expert Brian Westover praised the Surface Pro 2024 in his review, highlighting its seamless integration of AI tools through Windows 11 Copilot and calling it a standout for its intelligent features and robust hardware.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
12 June 2026
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The future demands a neutral, interoperable and intelligent global trade infrastructure that reduces friction, expands inclusion and restores trust across borders.—
Meelan Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The company said the technology supports its roadmap toward quantum systems capable of operating with hundreds of high-precision 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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Accepting and acknowledging reasonable proof of that reality would be an important part of effectively combating the government’s current vaccine skepticism.—
Benjamin Mazer,
The Atlantic,
8 Dec. 2025
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The Chiefs have just a 15% chance to make the playoffs as of Monday morning and probably need to win all four of their remaining games to have any reasonable shot at playing beyond Week 18.—
Max Dible,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 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 | [email protected],
al,
22 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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But the Civilian Oversight Commission says those arguments, which were first made by the office of county counsel, are not valid in light of recent developments.—
Connor Sheets,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
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On the other hand, tourism can raise valid concerns among local communities regarding overtourism, rising housing costs and strain on infrastructure.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Visa and Mastercard have answered it the only sensible way, by buying exposure to both and positioning to charge a fee whichever way the traffic flows.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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