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
Nuriev, 41, was born in Russia amid the faded decadence of the czarist era and the rational architecture of communism.
—
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Jan. 2026
There’s no longer a rational impulse.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Scapegoating everyone of similar background as a criminal should be self-evidently wrong to any rational person.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Even paranoiacs have enemies, maybe rendering their paranoia a rational response.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Jan. 2026
There’s no longer a rational impulse.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Scapegoating everyone of similar background as a criminal should be self-evidently wrong to any rational person.
—Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
Even paranoiacs have enemies, maybe rendering their paranoia a rational response.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.—
Klaus Schwab,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On the women's side, Bianca Belair and Ripley are emerging as logical winners in early prediction pieces, though neither path is certain.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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French quantum startup Alice and Bob developed an innovative approach to move its logical qubit up and down, like an elevator.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Advertisement Think smart regulation, not more regulation The dealmaking bonanza on Wall Street since Biden Administration officials left office offers a reasonable gauge of the damage inflicted when regulatory agencies are captured by ideology.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
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The only reasonable, logical explanation to Indiana University’s success in football is not coaching, but cheating.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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What reaches senior leaders often feels coherent and already interpreted.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Both sides contain stories without plots, character studies without coherent meaning.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
18 Jan. 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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Tax offices could previously accept IDs and passports that had been expired for up to a year as valid proof of residency for a vehicle registration.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Jan. 2026
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The ConfirmID will be valid for 10 days once checked at a TSA and the $45 fee has been paid.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Savvy therapists are leveraging AI in sensible and vital ways.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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Yet attempts to fix the problem stalled until the Legislature finally managed to pass a sensible set of performance measures for nursing programs last year.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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