rationality

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
plural rationalities
Synonyms of rationalitynext
1
: the quality or state of being rational
2
: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason : reasonableness
3
: a rational opinion, belief, or practice
usually used in plural

Examples of rationality in a Sentence

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.
To inject greater rationality into the system, a unified budget took effect in 1969. Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 14 May 2026 Tap into desire—or, better yet, anxiety—and rationality goes out the window. Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 Gigerenzer emphasizes the concept of ecological rationality, arguing that the effectiveness of a heuristic depends on the context in which it is applied. Bystephen Pitt-Walker, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Reducing love entirely to brain chemistry, or rationality entirely to cognitive biases, treats a partial explanation as a complete one. Alejandro Hortal-Sánchez, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rationality

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationality was in 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Rationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationality. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

rationality

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
: the quality or state of being rational

Medical Definition

rationality

noun
ra·​tio·​nal·​i·​ty ˌrash-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce rationality (audio)
plural rationalities
1
: the quality or state of being rational
2
: the quality or state of being agreeable to reason
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