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

First, how does one access exposure to gold, and second, how much is a reasonable allocation. —Vineer Bhansali, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Hur said the evidence did not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Biden had violated the law. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024

Banks is indeed presumed innocent, and prosecutors have the burden of proving his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024

The team might cite performance reviews and other aspects of Shelton’s employment file that suggest his departure was lawful and reasonable. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 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