reasonable

adjective

rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-bəl
1
a
: being in accordance with reason
a reasonable theory
b
: not extreme or excessive
reasonable requests
c
: moderate, fair
a reasonable chance
a reasonable price
2
a
: having the faculty of reason
b
: possessing sound judgment
a reasonable man
reasonability
ˌrēz-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˌrē-zᵊn-ə-
noun
reasonableness
ˈrēz-nə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-
noun
reasonably
ˈrēz-nə-blē How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
ˈrē-zᵊn-ə-
adverb

Examples of reasonable in a Sentence

We have reasonable cause not to believe him. She offered a reasonable compromise. It's not reasonable to expect perfect weather. Please be more reasonable. There is no way I'll be able to finish all this work in so little time. A reasonable man would not expect such a thing. Our boss has reasonable expectations of his employees. The team has a reasonable chance of winning. He makes a reasonable amount of money. The store's prices are reasonable. The hotel offers excellent accommodations at reasonable rates.
Recent Examples on the Web But skiing is a sport that requires fine motor skills and reasonable inhibition. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024 In this universe, a spite store seems like a reasonable proposition. Boris Kachka, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Americans on flights coordinated by the US government must agree to reimburse the government for the cost, which the State Department has said won’t exceed the price of a reasonable commercial flight before the crisis. Jennifer Hansler, CNN, 20 Mar. 2024 From early on, the Coastal Commission has been the bane of many developers and some Republicans who have contended the panel and its bureaucrats have strangled reasonable coastal development. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024 Quince does a great job of providing high-quality pieces at reasonable prices. Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2024 This decision seems like a reasonable attempt to render a heady sci-fi premise recognizable in the TV format. Christian Holub, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2024 Brian Fletcher, principle deputy solicitor general at the Justice Department, said the test should be whether a reasonable person would see a threat of retaliation in the government’s communication. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 And yet, as many reasonable folks recognize, what is deemed exclusive and desirable are often just beautiful illusions; the tatters and tears are carefully tucked away from the public eye. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reasonable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reasonable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reasonable

Cite this Entry

“Reasonable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reasonable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reasonable

adjective
rea·​son·​able ˈrēz-nə-bəl How to pronounce reasonable (audio)
-ᵊn-ə-bəl
1
a
: not beyond what is usual or expected : moderate
a reasonable request
a reasonable chance of success
b
: not expensive
reasonable prices
2
: able to reason : rational
a reasonable person
reasonability noun
reasonableness noun
reasonably adverb

Legal Definition

reasonable

adjective
rea·​son·​able
1
a
: being in accordance with reason, fairness, duty, or prudence
b
: of an appropriate degree or kind
c
: supported or justified by fact or circumstance
a reasonable belief that force was necessary for self-defense
2
: applying reason or logic
broadly : rational sense 1
a reasonable mind
reasonableness noun
reasonably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reasonable

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