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
Anyone who has made an impulsive decision in a moment of intense emotion knows that feelings shape our choices just as much as rational thought.
—
Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
There was no rational administration.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Calvin’s commentary emphasized clemency not only as a rational posture for a sovereign to adopt, but as a heroic virtue that is the essence of our common humanity.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
As rational as a man can be who spends every day trawling a thin stretch of river for evidence of his son, Daniel seems to know that Chris is dead.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
There was no rational administration.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Calvin’s commentary emphasized clemency not only as a rational posture for a sovereign to adopt, but as a heroic virtue that is the essence of our common humanity.
—Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
As rational as a man can be who spends every day trawling a thin stretch of river for evidence of his son, Daniel seems to know that Chris is dead.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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In addition, Kravitz regularly serves as an appeal host, supporting nonprofit organizations in raising funds through emotionally intelligent storytelling and crowd engagement.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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An authority figure might be quite impressed by your speedy progress or intelligent questions.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Next logical step in electromobility The goal is to advance the use of high-voltage technologies in electric vehicles and define safety standards.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
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However, Murdaugh’s attorneys have argued this motive did not make logical sense.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Under a reasonable definition of the SVOD market, Netflix’s market dominance is impossible to ignore.—
Hal Singer,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
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Offer Choices, Within Limits Offering reasonable levels of freedom and allowing children to make choices is a great way to empower them, build confidence in their decision-making skills, and help build a sense of responsibility.—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The two new buildings have cozy rooms and verandas that are open and breezy, but coherent with the larger property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
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Witnesses said Blanco appeared to not be coherent.—
Andrew Ramos,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
Adjective
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The PhD student, originally from Turkey and on a valid F-1 student visa, was shuttled through multiple states following her arrest and suffered a series of asthma attacks without adequate medical care, according to her attorneys.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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If multiple hypotheses work to explain the data equally well but one conflicts with reality in some other realm (and the other doesn’t), the one that’s valid across the widest range of applicability is superior.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The United States, of course, not the Cuban people, who may suffer another 66 years unless sensible commentators push back.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Judges could find the NCAA’s exclusion of players who signed NBA contracts sensible considering that college sports are typically played by degree-seeking students who ordinarily spend four or five years in school and then move on to another phase of life, usually a job or grad school.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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