Practical
Practical adjective - Willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly.
Usage example: a practical caseworker who doesn't spend a lot of time philosophizing while doing social work in the inner city
Rational is a synonym for practical in realistic topic. In some cases you can use "Rational" instead an adjective "Practical", when it comes to topics like shrewd.
Rational
Rational adjective - Having the ability to reason.
Usage example: human beings are rational creatures
Practical is a synonym for rational in shrewd topic. You can use "Practical" instead an adjective "Rational", if it concerns topics such as down-to-earth.
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both words in one sentence
- His previously-debilitating anxiety and phobias actually becoming more rational and practical once said Zombie Apocalypse happens.
Source: Action Survivor -
Hinjo does have his moments of self-righteousness from time to time, but he's mostly a decent, rational and practical man.
Source: Lawful Stupid - Renn is definitely a Fiery Redhead, but she's also the calm, practical and rational one.
Cite this Source
Rational and Practical. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/practical/rational
Practical & Rational. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/practical/rational>.
Rational or Practical. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/practical/rational.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "practical" and "rational" have occurred on timeline