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
In Russia’s current political environment, refusing to answer or giving a socially acceptable response is a rational strategy.
—
Elizaveta Gaufman, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike the city of Poway, which favors hitching posts over parking meters, San Diego has elected to ignore all rational analyses of parking fee options, in favor of looking at parking as a cash cow.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Individuality as defined in the Declaration of Independence is rational self-interest moderated by the demands of universal consent.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
But people who want more wolves and people who want fewer both argue that the other side is letting their feelings about wolves get in the way of rational thinking.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Elizaveta Gaufman, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2026
Unlike the city of Poway, which favors hitching posts over parking meters, San Diego has elected to ignore all rational analyses of parking fee options, in favor of looking at parking as a cash cow.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Individuality as defined in the Declaration of Independence is rational self-interest moderated by the demands of universal consent.
—Roger Van Zanen, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
But people who want more wolves and people who want fewer both argue that the other side is letting their feelings about wolves get in the way of rational thinking.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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According to the German firm, the approach enables intelligent systems, including humanoid robots, to operate in live manufacturing environments.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
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And then Roger Roger, the generative AI has become more intelligent.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Our first attempt at pursuing this logical path was the Drake Equation, which had, as its final term, the lifetime of an average intelligent, technologically advanced civilization.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Mar. 2026
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Throughout that time the Red Sox were viewed as a logical landing spot, but while the club ultimately opted to pursue Alex Bregman, Arenado acknowledged the thought of playing for Boston crossed his mind.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That is if the letter writer doesn’t mind allowing them in her backyard for a few weeks while others find more reasonable ways to address this problem.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Feb. 2026
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As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Maria Grazia Chiuri delivered her first show for Fendi with a clear statement, highlighting exceptional craftsmanship, strong wearability, and a coherent vision rooted in Roman heritage with a modern edge.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
2 Mar. 2026
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For instance, the visual cortex uses sounds to predict what the eyes will see, and the brain combines information from all senses to create a coherent multisensory experience of the world.—
Sachin Rawat,
Big Think,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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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Assuming the toymakers’ claims are valid, Cross said, the apparent lack of oversight raises questions about companies’ ability to track how developers and third parties are using their systems.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
3 Mar. 2026
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After Kearse couldn’t produce a valid driver’s license, Parrish ordered Kearse out of his vehicle and attempted to handcuff him when a struggle ensued.—
Freida Frisaro,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Regional American wines are a strength of this particular list, and cocktails are sensible and executed with an eye to matching the caliber of the food.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
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The Venus-Uranus sextile strikes your sensible 6th house and your delicate 8th house, so be wary of sensitive topics.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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