1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason
human beings are rational creatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of rational
Sadly, Netflix’s production throws out the baby of rational screenwriting with the bathwater of partisan signifiers.
—
Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
So the rational strategy, in many cases, is to wait.
—Phil De Luna, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Your inability to establish a rational, functional and legal system of immigration is an abject failure on your part.
—Peter Cunningham, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Also use your words to compose a factual, rational statement of your position.
—Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
So the rational strategy, in many cases, is to wait.
—Phil De Luna, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Your inability to establish a rational, functional and legal system of immigration is an abject failure on your part.
—Peter Cunningham, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Also use your words to compose a factual, rational statement of your position.
—Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
-
People have been dreaming about intelligent humanoid robots since the introduction of the beloved family maid Rosey on The Jetsons in the early 1960s.—
Jim McGregor,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Beyond being intelligent, ethical, musically talented, and dedicated; Emily is a true arts-passionate individual.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The problem — and hardly an insignificant one — is that however funny comedian Jillian Bell’s directorial debut can be in the moment, none of it makes the slightest logical sense.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Airport lounges were overdue for a re-think, and a logical place for Delta to start catering to luxury travelers.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In addition, corporations have to determine what a reasonable wage is, which typically requires the help of an accountant.—
Vlad Rusz,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Otherwise, the Bruins could try to get something reasonable in return on the open market.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The failure of Democrats to coalesce behind a coherent strategy against Trump's blizzard of controversial policies was on display during his address to a Joint Session of Congress last week.—
Susan Page,
USA TODAY,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Bo Hines, Executive Director of the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets, will facilitate dialogue aimed at developing coherent policy strategies and actionable recommendations.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college.—
Keith BieryGolick,
Cincinnati.com,
28 Aug. 2019
-
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
-
West, in the interview with The New Republic, disputed the merits of his suspension, saying his methods are valid because other people have used them.—
Richard A. Webster,
ProPublica,
11 Mar. 2025
-
The watch is valid from Wednesday 5 p.m. until Friday, Mar. 14 at 5 a.m.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Orange County Register,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The microphone jack is located on the rear, just behind the hot shoe, a good move as this is the most sensible place to mount a mic or wireless transceiver.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Multiple sets are repurposed to serve as different locations — again, a financially sensible decision that also carries deep emotional resonance.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share