1
as in intelligent
having the ability to reason
human beings are rational creatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rational
Now, most rational fans see what management did at the trade deadline, dealing away five regulars, including their captain Brad Marchand, and realize the brass has given up on this season.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
On these matters, he is not guided by rational cost-benefit analysis or dealmaking so much as by real animus against democracy, liberalism, and the West, together with a determination to resurrect the Russian empire.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Even when the accusations are unfounded, even when the risks are small, the mere possibility of being a sucker can be psychologically potent enough to undermine a rational preference for cooperation.
—Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
This all points to a more rational, less economically harmful climate policy, but, as always, there’s going to be litigation.
—The Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
On these matters, he is not guided by rational cost-benefit analysis or dealmaking so much as by real animus against democracy, liberalism, and the West, together with a determination to resurrect the Russian empire.
—Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Even when the accusations are unfounded, even when the risks are small, the mere possibility of being a sucker can be psychologically potent enough to undermine a rational preference for cooperation.
—Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
This all points to a more rational, less economically harmful climate policy, but, as always, there’s going to be litigation.
—The Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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Untangling a relationship with SpaceX Some of the most intelligent questions came from US Sen. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
9 Apr. 2025
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By automating the most repetitive, time-consuming tasks with intelligent, autonomous AI employees, Artisan is redefining what productivity looks like for go-to-market teams.—
Dasha Shunina,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There are logical, though debatable, arguments that the settlement paying male athletes more in damages and permitting colleges to pay male athletes more going forward is problematic under Title IX.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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When fans are incorrectly being told how much worse the game is today versus the 1990s and 2000s … that doesn’t seem to be a logical way of boosting viewership.—
Shane Young,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Netanyahu was told to be reasonable on Turkey Since the fall of the Assad dynasty in Syria late last year, Israel and Turkey have been competing in the country over their separate interests there.—
Time,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
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Ars wrote more about why this is a reasonable path forward last September.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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What’s worse, the White House has failed to mount a coherent campaign to explain the stakes to the American people.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Isolationism as a Slur In the postwar era, isolationism devolved from a coherent strategic perspective into a term of political derision.—
Andrew Latham,
JSTOR Daily,
27 Mar. 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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A lot of people want to talk gun control, which is a very valid debate.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
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Many point out that while his concerns about academics and responsibilities are valid, his approach was heavy-handed and unfair — especially toward the girlfriend.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Wear sensible shoes to explore Kathleen Ferguson’s urban flower farm built on a slope.—
Jeanette Marantos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2025
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Charles Brooks Charles Brooks is the sensible boss at Empirical Press who lets his softer side get the better of him.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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