rationalism

noun

ra·​tio·​nal·​ism ˈra-shə-nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce rationalism (audio)
ˈrash-nə-ˌli-
1
: reliance on reason as the basis for establishment of religious truth
2
a
: a theory that reason is in itself a source of knowledge superior to and independent of sense perceptions
b
: a view that reason and experience rather than the nonrational are the fundamental criteria in the solution of problems
3
: functionalism sense 2
rationalist
ˈra-shə-nə-list How to pronounce rationalism (audio)
ˈrash-nə-list
noun
rationalist adjective
or rationalistic
ˌra-shə-nə-ˈli--stik How to pronounce rationalism (audio)
ˌrash-nə-ˈli
rationalistically
ˌra-shə-nə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce rationalism (audio)
ˌrash-nə-ˈli-
adverb

Examples of rationalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
What is surprising is the utter rationalism of her response. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025 Venture capitalists erected their industry on the altar of profits, with perhaps a dash of rationalism. — Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025 In Denmark, the architect Verner Panton, a scion of Bauhaus rationalism and Scandinavian good taste, picked up the scent. — Lewis Jacobsen, Air Mail, 23 May 2026 In his early work, Kant embraced German rationalism, convinced that pure reason could prove God’s existence and the soul’s immortality. — Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rationalism

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rationalism was circa 1732

Rhymes for rationalism

See All Rhymes for rationalism

Browse Nearby Words

rationalise
rationalism
rationalist
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Cite this Entry

“Rationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rationalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rationalism

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