1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason
human beings are rational creatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Most normal, rational people would have stopped there.
—
Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025
Lewis’s superficial attack abets the know-nothing Trump Administration, which spurns cooperative allies and rational arrangements.
—Harper’s Magazine, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
—Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
A lot of court cases have been dealing with these cancellations as a group, highlighting the lack of scientific—or seemingly rational—input into the decisions to cut funding for entire categories of research.
—ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025
Lewis’s superficial attack abets the know-nothing Trump Administration, which spurns cooperative allies and rational arrangements.
—Harper’s Magazine, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
—Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
A lot of court cases have been dealing with these cancellations as a group, highlighting the lack of scientific—or seemingly rational—input into the decisions to cut funding for entire categories of research.
—ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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These earbuds feature intelligent noise control, which removes up to twice as much background noise as previous AirPods models.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Big consulting players like Bain & Company use online assessments to evaluate a candidate’s situational awareness, numerical and verbal aptitude, and logical reasoning before a technical interview is even scheduled.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Cutting ties with him doesn't seem logical at the moment.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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Invoking Section 15 of Article 17, the NFL wants Droney to order payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs—about $12 million.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 July 2025
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This projection appears reasonable considering that the current effective tariff rate of the U.S. has increased five-fold this year to roughly 16% according to the Yale Budget Lab.—
Nick Sargen,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The master plan provides a coherent countywide path forward that can achieve economies of scale for managing our solid waste and better serve the health and well-being of our communities.—
Linda Thompson Gonzalez,
Sun Sentinel,
20 July 2025
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In short, as with many pressing questions related to tariff policy, there is no coherent and unbiased economic consensus.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
17 July 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 | cstephenson@al.com,
al,
22 Aug. 2019
Adjective
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This may be valid in stable environments, but when the ground shifts — through technological disruption, changing consumer behavior or global shocks — those once-reliable patterns can quickly become traps.—
IESE Business School,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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On Sunday at 1:46 a.m. a lake wind advisory was issued by the NWS Reno NV valid for Monday between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. for Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra counties.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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The Hunting Wives consistently prioritizes steamy scenes over sensible plotting or nuanced characters, juicy twists over deep emotions or big ideas.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
20 July 2025
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But the different branches have been largely united over President Donald Trump’s accomplishments such as a stronger economy, a more efficient government and a more sensible approach to foreign affairs.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
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