reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl

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

d

: inexpensive

2

a

: having the faculty of reason

b

: possessing sound judgment

a reasonable man

reasonability

ˌrēz-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌrē-zᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonableness

ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonably

ˈrēz-nə-blē 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-

adverb

Synonyms

• analytic
• analytical
• coherent
• consequent
• good
• logical
• rational
• sensible
• sound
• valid
• well-founded
• well-grounded

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

Policy supporters also said that charters would continue to receive reasonable offers of campus space. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024

Winner: tie The Lexus RX will easily please shoppers looking for comfort, reasonable pricing and reputable build quality. —Alex Nishimoto, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024

Starting pitcher Michael Wacha allowed a reasonable three runs in five innings. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2024

Sandy Alcantara — signed to a reasonable five-year, $55 million extension — would command a greater return when healthy. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024

There’s nothing in the new reports that establishes, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the GRU is behind these possible attacks. —The Editors, National Review, 2 Apr. 2024

Zinni said the mission seems reasonable, both to alleviate suffering and send the message that the United States cares about Palestinian civilians. —Dan Lamothe, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2024

For a reasonable fee, The Water Revolution Foundation will do a complete analysis of the results and provide owners with important ways to reduce emissions. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Ultimately, prosecutors determined a Brown Act violation couldn’t be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing reasonable

• reasonable facsimile
• beyond a reasonable doubt

Kids Definition

reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl 

-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

ˌrēz-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

-ᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonableness

ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs 

-ᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonably

-blē 

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

d

: commercially reasonable

2

: applying reason or logic

broadly : rational sense 1

a reasonable mind

reasonableness noun

reasonably adverb