Definition of irrationalnext

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of irrational Our simple equation, for example, has the solutions and , which are irrational; their digits begin and keep going forever without repeating. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026 As a result, the argument goes, today's spending is irrational because the hardware would need to be replaced too frequently to generate an attractive return on investment, known as ROI. — CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 The policy is particularly irrational when applied to bicyclists and pedestrians. — Jeffrey T. Donner, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 For all the film focuses on Carlson’s irrational attempts to peg the murder on gay people, the actual gay man Tom disappears from the narrative for long periods of time. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for irrational
Recent Examples of Synonyms for irrational
Adjective
  • On the surface, paying as low as 24 cents for an hour of streaming game time doesn’t sound completely unreasonable.
    — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • If Putin rejects the framework — or, more likely, demands unreasonable changes — then the world will at least know who blocked the fledgling peace effort.
    — David Ignatius, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But in each event—in the living act, the undoubted deed—there, some unknown but still reasoning thing puts forth the mouldings of its features from behind the unreasoning mask.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • Roosevelt surely understood that nameless, unreasoning, unjustified fear cannot be eradicated.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Finally, the article argues that the federal lawsuit threatens state control over election administration and could fuel further claims that election results are illegitimate.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • An adult child can claim authority over the meaning of a life without proving that everything inherited is therefore illegitimate.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irrational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irrational. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster