reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl

1

a

: being in accordance with reason

a reasonable theory

b

: not extreme or excessive

reasonable requests

c

: moderate, fair

a reasonable chance

a reasonable price

d

: inexpensive

2

a

: having the faculty of reason

b

: possessing sound judgment

a reasonable man

reasonability

ˌrēz-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌrē-zᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonableness

ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonably

ˈrēz-nə-blē 

ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-

adverb

Synonyms

• analytic
• analytical
• coherent
• consequent
• good
• logical
• rational
• sensible
• sound
• valid
• well-founded
• well-grounded

Examples of reasonable in a Sentence

We have reasonable cause not to believe him.

She offered a reasonable compromise.

It's not reasonable to expect perfect weather.

Please be more reasonable. There is no way I'll be able to finish all this work in so little time.

A reasonable man would not expect such a thing.

Our boss has reasonable expectations of his employees.

The team has a reasonable chance of winning.

He makes a reasonable amount of money.

The store's prices are reasonable.

The hotel offers excellent accommodations at reasonable rates.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a reasonable request and a fair expectation. —Brian Mitchell, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

The two are linked: Disputes are much easier to solve when all parties have a reasonable prospect of prosperity. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024

Additionally, offering a reasonable grace period can allow employees time to adapt to the new policy. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Hulu offers high-quality original TV shows for a reasonable price. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing reasonable

• beyond a reasonable doubt
• reasonable facsimile

Kids Definition

reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl 

-ᵊn-ə-bəl

1

a

: not beyond what is usual or expected : moderate

a reasonable request

a reasonable chance of success

b

: not expensive

reasonable prices

2

: able to reason : rational

a reasonable person

reasonability

ˌrēz-nə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

-ᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonableness

ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs 

-ᵊn-ə-

noun

reasonably

-blē 

adverb

Legal Definition

reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able

1

a

: being in accordance with reason, fairness, duty, or prudence

b

: of an appropriate degree or kind

c

: supported or justified by fact or circumstance

a reasonable belief that force was necessary for self-defense

d

: commercially reasonable

2

: applying reason or logic

broadly : rational sense 1

a reasonable mind

reasonableness noun

reasonably adverb