reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˈrēz-nə-bəl
Synonyms of reasonablenext
1
a
: being in accordance with reason
a reasonable theory
b
: not extreme or excessive
reasonable requests
c
: moderate, fair
a reasonable chance
a reasonable price
2
a
: having the faculty of reason
b
: possessing sound judgment
a reasonable man
reasonability
ˌrēz-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē
ˌrē-zᵊn-ə- How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
noun
reasonableness
ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə- How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
noun
reasonably
ˈrēz-nə-blē
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə- How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
adverb

Examples of reasonable in a Sentence

We have reasonable cause not to believe him. She offered a reasonable compromise. It's not reasonable to expect perfect weather. Please be more reasonable. There is no way I'll be able to finish all this work in so little time. A reasonable man would not expect such a thing. Our boss has reasonable expectations of his employees. The team has a reasonable chance of winning. He makes a reasonable amount of money. The store's prices are reasonable. The hotel offers excellent accommodations at reasonable rates.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And while requiring proof of citizenship might seem reasonable, voter advocacy groups estimate that more than 20 million current voters – mostly the poor and minorities — have neither birth certificates nor passports – nor the easy means to get them. Carl P. Leubsdorf, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026 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 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 The governor would have to provide reasonable notice to local law enforcement agencies in the area, according to the bill. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reasonable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reasonable was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Reasonable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reasonable. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

reasonable

adjective
rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
-ᵊn-ə-bəl
1
a
: not beyond what is usual or expected : moderate
a reasonable request
a reasonable chance of success
b
: not expensive
reasonable prices
2
: able to reason : rational
a reasonable person
reasonability noun
reasonableness noun
reasonably adverb

Legal Definition

reasonable

adjective
rea·​son·​able
1
a
: being in accordance with reason, fairness, duty, or prudence
b
: of an appropriate degree or kind
c
: supported or justified by fact or circumstance
a reasonable belief that force was necessary for self-defense
2
: applying reason or logic
broadly : rational sense 1
a reasonable mind
reasonableness noun
reasonably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reasonable

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