Definitions

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.

“The return of volume growth and more rational capacity behavior are important milestones, but stabilization alone will not be sufficient to unlock Lamb Weston’s full earnings potential,” Starboard wrote in the letter, viewed by Barron’s.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“Even though in a rational world you should look at your total budget, when one of those buckets starts exceeding, you feel emotionally and psychologically stressed.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

“When prices are down, conversations tend to be more rational and sizing decisions more disciplined” as opposed to impulsive, FOMO-crazed performance chasing.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

In a wide-ranging interview, Swinney also said there was no "rational" argument against immigration.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

People with damage to their ventromedial area are perfectly rational.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

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