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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rational
From its external form to its internal structure, Heron conveys a more rational and refined design language.
—
New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026
None of this has to be fully rational.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
Does any of this make any sense in a rational world?
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Hathaway is among the more rational and self-aware of current actors, with a manner that suggests both the ability to see a step ahead and the prudence not to flaunt it.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
New Atlas, 19 Apr. 2026
None of this has to be fully rational.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
Does any of this make any sense in a rational world?
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Hathaway is among the more rational and self-aware of current actors, with a manner that suggests both the ability to see a step ahead and the prudence not to flaunt it.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
-
The son of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, he is viewed as a physical and intelligent defender.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Our interface makes intelligent use of swipes and gestures rather than tapping or dialing.—
David Szondy
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But security experts say the name may be a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Within mathematics, a better marketing campaign would probably look like a coherent theory, the kind Nelson sought — a set of formal rules, like those underlying modern math, that excludes infinity but is powerful enough to do useful mathematics.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Adjective
-
In California, the Los Angeles County Counsel is probing allegations that State Farm delayed, underpaid and denied valid insurance claims from last year's wildfires.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Twin Metals filed a federal lawsuit seeking a declaration that the leases are still valid but a judge threw the case out in 2023.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Some of it is the sensible human desire to spend retirement somewhere a snow shovel is not considered essential equipment.—
Larry Clifton,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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These were sensible design choices for that era.—
Bob Diamond,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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