rational

[rash-uh-nl, rash-nl] / ˈræʃ ə nl, ˈræʃ nl /

ADJECTIVE

realistic; of sound mind

Synonyms

STRONGEST

analytical balanced deliberate enlightened impartial intelligent judicious levelheaded logical lucid normal prudent reasonable sane sensible sober stable thoughtful wise

STRONG

calm cool intellectual knowing objective reasoning sound synthetic thinking

WEAK

all there cerebral circumspect cognitive collected deductive discerning discriminating far-sighted perspicacious philosophic ratiocinative reflective sagacious together well-advised

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless confused foolish idiotic illogical insane irrational nonsensical senseless stupid thoughtless unbalanced unintelligent unreasonable unstable unsystematic unwise

STRONG

agitated excited

WEAK

ridiculous unrealistic unsound

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Speaking to graduates about to enter the workforce, Schmidt conceded that their fears about AI were "rational" but urged the crowd to adapt to the sprawling technology as "AI will shape the world".

From BBC • May 18, 2026

“It’s rational that doing more feels good in the short term,” said Andres Lares, CEO of Shapiro Negotiations Institute.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

But they shared an aversion to conventional plot, coherent character psychology and even rational argument.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

“Capacity cuts by the ULCCs should result in a more rational domestic pricing environment, which in turn should help buoy full-service margins.”

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

I hear Journey telling me to be rational.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga

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