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
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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
Knowledge is not understood as the product of an objective and rational analysis of reality, but as the result of an intersubjective negotiation process.
—
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
No rational argument could convince them otherwise.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Brooks encouraged students to apply three rational lenses when deciding whether to get married, considering their psychological, emotional, and moral compatibility.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
In comments carried by Iran’s official state news agency IRNA this morning, Pezeshkian said all rational and diplomatic channels must be used to reduce tensions while maintaining firmness against threats.
—Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
No rational argument could convince them otherwise.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
Brooks encouraged students to apply three rational lenses when deciding whether to get married, considering their psychological, emotional, and moral compatibility.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
In comments carried by Iran’s official state news agency IRNA this morning, Pezeshkian said all rational and diplomatic channels must be used to reduce tensions while maintaining firmness against threats.
—Will Clark, NBC news, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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The son of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, he is viewed as a physical and intelligent defender.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 Apr. 2026
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Our interface makes intelligent use of swipes and gestures rather than tapping or dialing.—
David Szondy
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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With a reasonable chance that both sides win all their remaining games, the size of each victory matters.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Although executors may be paid reasonable compensation—often up to 5% of the estate’s value—you aren’t required to accept the role.—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But security experts say the name may be a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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Within mathematics, a better marketing campaign would probably look like a coherent theory, the kind Nelson sought — a set of formal rules, like those underlying modern math, that excludes infinity but is powerful enough to do useful mathematics.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 Apr. 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
-
Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
Adjective
-
In California, the Los Angeles County Counsel is probing allegations that State Farm delayed, underpaid and denied valid insurance claims from last year's wildfires.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
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Twin Metals filed a federal lawsuit seeking a declaration that the leases are still valid but a judge threw the case out in 2023.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Some of it is the sensible human desire to spend retirement somewhere a snow shovel is not considered essential equipment.—
Larry Clifton,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
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These were sensible design choices for that era.—
Bob Diamond,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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