IRRATIONALITY Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

irrationality

noun

Definition of irrationality

as in unreasonableness

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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 irrationality The irrationality of politicians suddenly makes sense. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026 But this often requires accepting the fundamental irrationality of the wrapping-up process. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026 When prompt instructions encouraged models to maximize rewards or hit specific financial goals, irrationality increased. — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Moreover, experts should introduce deliberate irrationality to disrupt the model’s predictive path. — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Human irrationality may also explain why Tesla retains some responsibility in the accident. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 July 2016 Such irrationality proofs have been rare — and at times, according to longtime Quanta contributor Erica Klarreich, dramatic. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 18 Dec. 2025 In such conditions, apparent irrationality can invite probing, hedging or reciprocal escalation. — Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026 Viral memes and TikTok trends play up women’s purportedly excessive spike in libido during ovulation and dramatic irrationality during menstruation and the luteal phase (the 14 days or so between ovulation and menstruation). — Andréa Becker, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for irrationality

Noun

If the assassination made the President a Christlike figure, his forbearance in the face of a wife’s unreasonableness provides him with an extra measure of purity.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
If the assassination made the President a Christlike figure, his forbearance in the face of a wife’s unreasonableness provides him with an extra measure of purity.

— Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026

Definition of unreasonableness

Noun

Jacob deGrom infamously was reportedly happy to leave New York for Texas, in part because of New York's political extremism and COVID-19 restrictions, as just one example.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Concha argued that her positions and rhetoric reflect a broader shift in the Democratic Party toward socialism and extremism.

— Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026

Definition of extremism

Noun

For those manufacturers, and for the neoliberals who appropriated Kahlo to sell free trade with Mexico, her life of political radicalism is left unmentioned.

— Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Many of the area’s neighborhoods are reliably progressive but not known for their radicalism.

— Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 June 2026

Definition of radicalism

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irrationalities

irrationality

irreality

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“Irrationality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/irrationality. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of irrationality

noun

Example Sentences

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