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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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
Several decades later, in 1901, another French mathematician, Henri Poincaré, realized that points with rational coordinates—that is, points with coordinates that can be represented as fractions on the graph of an elliptic curve—composed a group.
—
Richard Jensen, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2025
In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between.
—Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
In a rational market, a CEO who delivers declining sales, shrinking margins, and alienates core customers while pursuing outside interests would see their company's stock value decline until either performance improves or leadership changes.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
All things considered, the economic policymaking of Trump’s team looks less like rational deliberation and more like firefighting while knowing that the fire chief is the primary arsonist.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Richard Jensen, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2025
In some, the conceit of rational or empirical investigation is coupled with a principle that resists being accounted for in that way: axioms of indifference or exhaustion; rulesof inference;principles of detachment; propertiesof between.
—Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
In a rational market, a CEO who delivers declining sales, shrinking margins, and alienates core customers while pursuing outside interests would see their company's stock value decline until either performance improves or leadership changes.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
All things considered, the economic policymaking of Trump’s team looks less like rational deliberation and more like firefighting while knowing that the fire chief is the primary arsonist.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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This type of intelligent power management would mark a departure from Apple's existing Low Power Mode, which applies system-wide restrictions.—
Tahar Rajab,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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These intelligent adaptations help homeowners effectively reduce their monthly energy expenses.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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As a result, that has been seen as the most logical landing spot all along.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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Returning samples of the Martian surface to Earth for study is the logical next step in these efforts.—
Bruce Jakosky,
Space.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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There is a very reasonable bet that something like this happens.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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This level needs to be reasonable and proportionate to the risk.—
Mark Littler,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Any possible legislation is seemingly ages away, as if Congress ever does a coherent job of policing big tech in the first place.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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The way the series blended all these disparate elements into something not just coherent but transcendent was a stunning achievement.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
8 May 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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If somebody received a slap on the wrist for past threats or weapons incidents, then there are valid questions about how school authorities did their jobs.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
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The program was also smart enough to create valid Lego designs free of errors that adhered to the text prompt 100% of the time.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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With any luck these sensible changes will not be casualties of Trump’s high-risk omnibus strategy.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
10 May 2025
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Another year for Howard, who made nine league starts due to injury and loss of form among his younger peers, seems sensible, along with a loan elsewhere for Luke McNicholas.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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