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.

Let’s be real, rational thought portends the obvious: It’s a wrap.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Moreover, anecdotes are not systematic data, and people vote and make political decisions for a range of reasons, including emotions and principles, that are not purely material or rational.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

So an amoral but rational actor would avoid charging too much, and would avoid shutting down the strait altogether.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Lewis admitted some of the witness stories were compelling and "would have an effect" on him as he pondered them before his rational self took over.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

In my rational mind I knew they wouldn’t let me drown, so I plucked up my courage and gave it another try.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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