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.

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

The choice was rational: Long-term safety data was unavailable, efficacy thresholds hadn’t been cleared, and further investment in an unproven compound risked starving proven therapies of resources.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

“People make that decision not from the rational brain, but from the emotional, instinctive brain,” said Deborah Price, a money coach in Petaluma, Calif.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Investors have calculated that rational decision-making by world leaders will prevail in short order.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

I didn’t even have time for rational thought.

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

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