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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rational
The production is somewhat hampered by Anthony Tran’s cumbersome costumes and Chin’s grimly rational scenic design.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
The war in Ukraine is central to Putin’s legitimacy, leaving him no rational incentive to end it voluntarily.
—Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
But business with China won’t be rational again until the trade war ends.
—Crista V. Worthy, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
But the reversals don’t appear to be rational, let alone part of any plan.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
The war in Ukraine is central to Putin’s legitimacy, leaving him no rational incentive to end it voluntarily.
—Andrei Yakovlev, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2025
But business with China won’t be rational again until the trade war ends.
—Crista V. Worthy, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
But the reversals don’t appear to be rational, let alone part of any plan.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.—
Rakhee Langer,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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Therefore, the logical starting point might be to first to prop this thing at least back up to respectability.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Since 1984, Dell has been dominating the prebuilt PC and accessory market by making hardware at reasonable prices.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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That’s basically like taking pieces from five different jigsaw puzzles and figuring out a way to put them together in some coherent order.—
Tony Sachs,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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The administration still has time to settle on a coherent strategy, but the window of opportunity is closing.—
Oriana Skylar Mastro,
Foreign Affairs,
20 May 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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According to the airline, this sale is valid on flights departing between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2025.—
Andrew Kunesh,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
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On Wednesday at 1:31 p.m. the NWS Reno NV released a lake wind advisory valid for Thursday between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. for Lake Tahoe.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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The wilderness is not unkind to those who understand it and take sensible precautions.—
Ted Updike,
Outdoor Life,
22 May 2025
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The cars are an entry point for new buyers into the Porsche brand, cheaper than 911s and less powerful, but also just as well-made, and, for many, the most sensible Porsche one can buy brand new.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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