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
Examples 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
There are no fewer than four different scenes in the movie where his right-hand man advises him to make a rational decision of some kind, only for Wulf to immediately — often in the very next breath — opt for the rash and violent route instead.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 Dec. 2024
The lowest level is known as rational basis review, and almost every law looked at that way is ultimately upheld.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 Dec. 2024
The Court usually asks whether these distinctions have a rational basis, a test most forgiving to lawmakers.
—The Editors, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
If boys becoming men is different from boys trying to become women, then the Tennessee law draws a rational distinction.
—The Editors, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rational 
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 Dec. 2024
The lowest level is known as rational basis review, and almost every law looked at that way is ultimately upheld.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 Dec. 2024
The Court usually asks whether these distinctions have a rational basis, a test most forgiving to lawmakers.
—The Editors, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
If boys becoming men is different from boys trying to become women, then the Tennessee law draws a rational distinction.
—The Editors, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rational
Adjective
-
By using sound location detection, intelligent voiceprint as well as face, body, and lip recognition technology, Connect tracks the speaker and keeps them center stage with great accuracy.Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Every effort is a step toward raising emotional intelligent children.Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Like so many other stars on the main roster, ranging from Cody Rhodes to Kevin Owens, The Bloodline has consistently targeted them in a way that makes their quest for revenge quite the logical one.Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
-
To prevent yourself from imposing irrational penalties, set up house rules that outline logical consequences in advance.Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This is a reasonable request and a fair expectation.Brian Mitchell, Forbes, 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
Adjective
-
This approach should include: Unified Data Infrastructure: Providing coherent access to data across diverse locations without relying on outdated monolithic data lakes.Steve McDowell, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
-
The evaluation of Harris’s loss was also varied and pointed to issues like her inability to distance herself from Joe Biden or to articulate a coherent economic vision for the future.Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2024
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
-
But the overall point is valid, looks like suboptimal surgery.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
-
The prosecution, in turn, said passengers’ fear of Neely was valid but that Penny did not need to use deadly physical force to address it – or subdue the unarmed Neely once everyone was off the train.Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Albert is an adult — which may not be so entertaining on a night out, but seems the more logical choice for a sensible person like Charlotte.Dennis Harvey, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
-
The Japanese Honda brand, known historically for its sensible and efficient sedans and SUVs is focusing its efforts on off-roading capable models with the debut of its new Passport TrailSport and launch of the Pilot TrailSport.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near rational
Cite this Entry
“Rational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rational. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share