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
Its leaders are totally disconnected from scientific reality, from rational debate, from basic empathy.
—
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Carter pushed economic deregulation in a number of industries as being economically rational.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
The Philippine government's use of PCG assets in this context aims not to provoke China, but to resolve differences through rational discussion and adherence to international law.
—Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
For purely political purposes, these movie lists oppose rational and aesthetic responses.
—Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rational 
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Carter pushed economic deregulation in a number of industries as being economically rational.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
The Philippine government's use of PCG assets in this context aims not to provoke China, but to resolve differences through rational discussion and adherence to international law.
—Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
For purely political purposes, these movie lists oppose rational and aesthetic responses.
—Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
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The thing about Nickel Boys is its a film that is more intelligent than its maker.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2025
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White’s wiry, versatile, energetic, intelligent and strong.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Amorim is not likely to be afforded those in abundance at a club of United’s stature, even if trusting the process is the only logical way to succeed.—
Matt Woosnam,
The Athletic,
7 Feb. 2025
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The Treasury Department would be the next most logical agency to administer student debt, Mayotte said.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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All of this could have been avoided with any number of reasonable, common-sense approaches to addressing homebuilding on a statewide basis.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Orange County Register,
27 Jan. 2025
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The moves alienated longtime shoppers who valued Kohl’s for its quality clothes at reasonable prices.—
Maria Sole Campinoti,
CNN,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Hamilton pressed the secretary of state to explain the Clinton administration’s foreign policy, challenging it to set aside slogans from the campaign and articulate a coherent foreign policy for the United States.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2025
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For instance, one theory posits the southern half may have been recently disturbed, likely by a single major merger around 2 billion to 4 billion years ago, leading to a pocket of star formation and unusually coherent streams of stars.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 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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On Friday, senior officials at the various federal agencies sent memos to staffers assuring them the offers were valid and lawful.—
Will Steakin,
ABC News,
3 Feb. 2025
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But because that ecosystem is very dynamic, any valid study would need to include multiple possible suspects.—
Bill Tippets,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But the relationship leads to serious conversations about the most sensible outcome of all: a bicoastal merger of the conferences.—
Jon Wilner,
The Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2025
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Martin and county transit leaders say the project makes far smarter and financially sensible use of the bus station’s existing 12 acres of surface parking and the second, 33-acre piece of former farmland, which the county transit agency also owns.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near rational
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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