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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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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Some incredibly intelligent breeds, such as Border collies, German shepherds and poodles, are known for regularly hitting 1,000-word milestones.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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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Isolated locations could face a reasonable worst-case scenario of five to seven inches or more, according to the weather service.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
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There were a few reasonable opinion drafts, a couple of speeches with a Q&A transcribed, and one very excellent and complete essay on civil rights.—
Ezra Fox
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Stitching those impulses into a coherent strategy is the industry’s great challenge.—
Moin Roberts-Islam,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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And so the chamber, because of the work on the body and mind, creates that coherent moment.—
Emily Cegielski,
Flow Space,
28 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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Some states recognize this issue and routinely run background checks on licensed holders to determine if their license is still valid, Chittum said.—
Josh Campbell,
CNN Money,
2 Aug. 2025
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Offer valid July 22, 2025, through September 2, 2025.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
2 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 2025.
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