Synonyms of Reasonable: Meanings, Usage, and Grammar Mastery in English

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Synonyms are words with similar meanings that help enrich our vocabulary and make our language more precise and expressive. The adjective reasonable is a staple in English, describing actions, decisions, prices, and people that are fair, logical, or acceptable. Mastering the synonyms of “reasonable” is vital for anyone seeking to expand their vocabulary, avoid repetition, and communicate nuanced ideas. Choosing the right synonym can change the tone, clarity, and impact of your speech or writing.

This comprehensive guide is designed for ESL/EFL learners, teachers, writers, and anyone looking to refine their English usage. We will explore definitions, grammatical roles, types, usage patterns, common mistakes, and advanced nuances of “reasonable” and its synonyms.

Each section is packed with examples, tables, exercises, and practical tips to help you master this essential vocabulary area.

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

3.1 What Does “Reasonable” Mean?

Reasonable is an adjective used to describe something that is fair, sensible, or within the limits of what is acceptable. It can refer to people, actions, prices, ideas, or requests that are based on good judgment or are not excessive or extreme.

Dictionary Definition
Oxford Fair, practical, and sensible
Cambridge Based on or using good judgment and therefore fair and practical
Merriam-Webster Not extreme or excessive; moderate; being in accordance with reason

3.2 Grammatical Classification

Reasonable is an adjective. It most commonly modifies nouns and pronouns, describing their qualities. It can appear before a noun (a reasonable request) or after linking verbs (The offer is reasonable).

  • Attributive position: She made a reasonable suggestion.
  • Predicative position: The price seems reasonable.

Common collocations include: reasonable price, reasonable time, reasonable doubt, reasonable explanation, reasonable person.

3.3 Function and Contexts

Reasonable is versatile, used to describe:

  • People: He is a reasonable man.
  • Ideas: That’s a reasonable argument.
  • Actions: It’s reasonable to expect a reply.
  • Prices: The hotel charges reasonable rates.
  • Demands: Their demands were reasonable.
Context Example Sentence
Describing a person She is reasonable and easy to work with.
Idea That’s a reasonable solution to the problem.
Action It is reasonable to assume he will be late.
Price The restaurant offers reasonable prices.
Demand The workers made reasonable requests.

3.4 Why Seek Synonyms for “Reasonable”?

Using synonyms for “reasonable” allows speakers and writers to:

  • Add variety to avoid repetition in writing and speech.
  • Adjust tone: Some synonyms are more formal, informal, or neutral.
  • Increase precision: Different synonyms highlight logic, fairness, or practicality.
  • Express subtle differences: Sometimes, “reasonable” is too general, and a more specific word conveys the intended meaning better.

Choosing a synonym is especially important in essays, business communication, and when you want to sound natural and fluent.

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1 Synonym Structure: What Makes a Word a Synonym of “Reasonable”?

To be a true synonym of reasonable, a word must share similar core meanings, belong to a similar register (level of formality), and have a comparable connotation (positive, neutral, or negative feeling). Some synonyms are closer in meaning, while others are only appropriate in certain contexts.

Close Synonyms Distant Synonyms Example
sensible, fair, logical tolerable, okay The decision was reasonable/sensible/fair.
moderate, justifiable workable, plausible The price is reasonable/moderate/justifiable.

4.2 Placement in Sentences

Reasonable and its synonyms are typically adjectives, so they:

  • Appear before nouns (attributive): a reasonable explanation, a moderate price
  • Follow linking verbs (predicative): The price is reasonable., The idea is logical.

Examples:

  • That was a sensible decision.
  • Their offer seems fair.
  • His demand is within reason.

4.3 Patterns of Modification

Reasonable and its synonyms can be modified by adverbs for intensity, or used in negative forms:

Pattern Sample Sentence
Intensifier + Synonym It was a quite reasonable request.
Negative Form His excuse was not reasonable.
Adverb + Synonym She acted fairly sensibly.
Comparative This solution is more practical than the last.
Superlative This is the most logical approach.

4.4 Grammatical Agreement

Reasonable and its synonyms must agree with the noun or pronoun they modify:

  • Singular: A reasonable answer
  • Plural: Reasonable suggestions
  • Pronoun: His expectations are reasonable.

The verb must also agree with the subject: The price is reasonable (singular), The prices are reasonable (plural).

5. Types or Categories

5.1 Synonyms by Meaning Nuance

5.1.1 Synonyms Emphasizing Logic or Rationality

Synonym Definition Nuance Example
logical Clearly reasoned; makes sense Focus on correct reasoning It’s logical to start with the basics.
rational Based on reason or facts Focus on objectivity Her decision was rational.
sensible Showing good sense; practical Focus on common sense He gave a sensible answer.
sound Based on valid reasoning Focus on reliability They made a sound judgment.

5.1.2 Synonyms Emphasizing Fairness or Justice

Synonym Definition Contexts Example
fair Free from bias; just People, decisions, prices The rules are fair.
equitable Dealing fairly and equally Legal, formal An equitable solution was found.
just Morally right; lawful Law, ethics It’s a just decision.
impartial Not biased; neutral Judgments, reviews The judge was impartial.

5.1.3 Synonyms Emphasizing Moderation or Acceptability

Synonym Definition Usage Pattern Example
moderate Not extreme; average Prices, opinions The costs are moderate.
acceptable Good enough; satisfactory Quality, standards The results are acceptable.
tolerable Bearable; not too bad Conditions, discomfort The noise was tolerable.
within reason Not excessive; within limits Requests, demands I can help, within reason.

5.1.4 Synonyms Emphasizing Practicality or Feasibility

Synonym Definition Sample Context Example
practical Useful and effective Solutions, plans That’s a practical approach.
feasible Possible to do Projects, proposals The plan is feasible.
workable Capable of being done Solutions, ideas We need a workable plan.
plausible Seeming reasonable or probable Explanations, excuses The excuse was plausible.

5.2 Register and Formality

5.2.1 Formal Synonyms

  • Equitable (legal, business): An equitable agreement
  • Judicious (academic, legal): A judicious choice
  • Tenable (academic, debate): A tenable position

5.2.2 Informal Synonyms

  • Fair enough: “Okay, that’s fair enough.”
  • Okay: The price is okay.
  • All right: That seems all right.

5.3 Positive, Neutral, and Negative Connotations

Connotation Synonyms Example Sentence
Positive fair, just, equitable, sound, judicious She made a judicious decision.
Neutral reasonable, moderate, practical, feasible The solution is practical.
Negative tolerable, okay, passable The explanation was tolerable, but not great.

6. Examples Section

6.1 Basic Example Sentences

  • The agreement seems reasonable to both sides.
  • It’s reasonable to expect some delays.
  • She offered a reasonable explanation for her absence.
  • The restaurant charges reasonable prices for its quality.
  • We made a reasonable effort to finish on time.
  • His demands are not reasonable.
  • I think your concerns are reasonable.
  • It’s reasonable to ask for help.
  • They reached a reasonable compromise.
  • The manager gave a reasonable response.
  • That’s a reasonable amount to pay.

6.2 Synonym Substitution: Direct Replacement

Original Sentence Synonym Used Rewritten Sentence
The price is reasonable. fair The price is fair.
Her suggestion was reasonable. sensible Her suggestion was sensible.
They made a reasonable demand. justifiable They made a justifiable demand.
That’s a reasonable explanation. plausible That’s a plausible explanation.
The offer is reasonable. moderate The offer is moderate.
His decision was reasonable. rational His decision was rational.
Your expectations are reasonable. realistic Your expectations are realistic.

6.3 Synonyms in Different Contexts

6.3.1 Describing People

  • She is a sensible person.
  • He is a fair manager.
  • They are practical leaders.
  • My teacher is rational in all her decisions.
  • The judge is known for being impartial.

6.3.2 Describing Prices/Costs

  • The cost is moderate for this area.
  • The rent is fair compared to other apartments.
  • Travel expenses are acceptable this season.
  • The price seems justifiable given the quality.
  • The admission fee is within reason.

6.3.3 Describing Actions/Decisions

  • It was a logical step to take.
  • His choice was sound and well thought out.
  • She made a judicious decision.
  • Their response was practical under the circumstances.
  • It was rational to wait until morning.

6.3.4 Describing Demands/Requests

  • They made an equitable request.
  • His demands were within reason.
  • She submitted a tolerable list of requirements.
  • The request is plausible, given the timeline.
  • The proposal is workable if we adjust the budget.

6.4 Comparing Synonyms in Use

Sentence Synonym Nuanced Meaning
His argument is logical. logical Follows clear reasoning
His argument is practical. practical Can be applied usefully
Her plan is feasible. feasible Can realistically be done
Her plan is moderate. moderate Not extreme; balanced
This solution is just. just Morally or legally fair
This solution is equitable. equitable Distributes benefits fairly

6.5 Idiomatic and Phrasal Uses

  • Within reason: “You can borrow my car, within reason.”
  • Fair enough: “If you can’t come, fair enough.”
  • All things considered: “All things considered, that’s a reasonable price.”
  • Sound judgment: “She is known for her sound judgment.”
  • Level-headed (describing a reasonable person): “He’s very level-headed under pressure.”
Idiom/Phrase Explanation Sample Sentence
Within reason Not excessively; to a reasonable extent We allow pets, within reason.
Fair enough Used to express agreement or acceptance If that’s how you feel, fair enough.
Sound judgment Good, reasonable decision-making Her sound judgment is valued by the team.
Level-headed Calm and reasonable in difficult situations He remains level-headed during crises.
All things considered Taking everything into account All things considered, their offer is reasonable.

6.6 Advanced Examples

  • After careful analysis, the committee deemed the proposal tenable and justifiable under current conditions.
  • Her judicious approach ensured that all parties received equitable treatment.
  • While the alternative is plausible, it lacks the practical advantages of the original plan.
  • The court ruled that the employer’s actions were not within the bounds of reasonable behavior.
  • Given the constraints, a moderate increase in funding is both logical and sustainable.
  • His rationale was sound, though perhaps not entirely impartial.
  • The protocol is feasible only if all stakeholders cooperate effectively.
  • She proposed a workable compromise that addressed the main concerns of each group.
  • The report presents a tenable argument supported by empirical evidence.
  • Despite initial skepticism, their explanation was ultimately judged as plausible and acceptable.

7. Usage Rules

7.1 Choosing the Right Synonym

Select a synonym based on:

  • Context: Is it a person, price, idea, or action?
  • Nuance: Do you want to stress logic, fairness, or practicality?
  • Formality: Is the situation formal or informal?
Context Best Synonym(s)
Price/Cost fair, moderate, acceptable
Personality sensible, rational, level-headed
Demands/Requests justifiable, within reason, tolerable
Academic/Legal equitable, tenable, judicious
Plans/Solutions practical, feasible, workable

7.2 Register, Tone, and Audience

Use formal synonyms (equitable, judicious, tenable) in academic, legal, or business writing. Choose informal options (fair enough, okay, all right) in casual conversation.

Context Formal Informal
Writing a report The proposal is tenable. The plan seems okay.
Everyday conversation Your suggestion is equitable. That’s fair enough.

7.3 Collocations and Common Pairings

Synonym Common Collocations Example
reasonable price, doubt, request, explanation reasonable doubt
fair deal, chance, trial, share fair trial
sensible decision, choice, advice, answer sensible advice
practical solution, plan, approach, application practical solution
judicious use, approach, decision judicious use
tolerable level, pain, condition, noise tolerable noise level

7.4 Degrees of Intensity

Least Intense Mild Standard Strong Most Intense
tolerable acceptable reasonable justifiable unquestionable
The offer is tolerable. The price is acceptable. The terms are reasonable. The demand is justifiable. The evidence is unquestionable.

7.5 Exceptions and Special Cases

  • Logical is not always a synonym for “reasonable” (e.g., “a logical consequence” ≠ “a reasonable consequence”).
  • Okay is too informal for academic or business contexts.
  • Equitable is generally used in legal/formal settings, not for prices or everyday matters.
  • Tolerable suggests barely acceptable, not truly “reasonable.”

Examples:

  • Incorrect: The price is equitable. (Better: The price is fair.)
  • Incorrect: Her excuse was tolerable. (Better: Her excuse was plausible.)
  • Incorrect: The offer is okay. (Too informal for business.)

8. Common Mistakes

8.1 Mistaking Near-Synonyms for True Synonyms

Confused Words Incorrect Usage Correct Usage
logical vs. fair His price was logical. His price was fair.
tolerable vs. reasonable The meeting was tolerable. The meeting was reasonable.
plausible vs. practical His plan is plausible. (if you mean “can be done”) His plan is practical.
just vs. sound The solution is just. (if you mean “well-reasoned”) The solution is sound.

8.2 Overusing “Reasonable”

Before:

The reasonable price attracted reasonable buyers who made reasonable offers on the reasonable property.

After (with synonyms):

The moderate price attracted sensible buyers who made fair offers on the affordable property.

8.3 Incorrect Register or Tone

  • Informal: The cost is okay. (Too informal for a business letter)
  • Correction: The cost is acceptable.
  • Formal: Her demands are equitable. (Too formal for casual conversation)
  • Correction: Her demands are fair.

8.4 Misplacing Synonyms in Sentences

  • Incorrect: That is a price fair.
  • Correct: That is a fair price.
  • Incorrect: The approach practical is best.
  • Correct: The practical approach is best.

8.5 False Friends and Translation Errors

  • In some languages, “rational” might mean “reasonable” in all contexts, but in English, “rational” implies logic, not always fairness or acceptability.
  • “Tolerable” in English means “barely acceptable,” not truly “reasonable.”
  • “Sensible” in British English means “reasonable,” but in American English it may also mean “sensitive” (which is different).

9. Practice Exercises

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank

Fill in each blank with the most suitable synonym of “reasonable” from the word bank: fair, logical, sensible, moderate, practical, plausible, tolerable, justifiable, acceptable, equitable

  1. The price of the new phone is quite _________.
  2. Her decision was _________, given the facts.
  3. Their demands are not _________.
  4. He offered a _________ explanation for being late.
  5. That’s a _________ compromise for both sides.
  6. The solution seems _________ to me.
  7. We need a _________ approach to solve this.
  8. The noise level is barely _________.
  9. His request is _________ in these circumstances.
  10. She proposed an _________ distribution of resources.

Answer Key:

  1. moderate
  2. logical
  3. justifiable
  4. plausible
  5. fair
  6. sensible
  7. practical
  8. tolerable
  9. acceptable
  10. equitable

9.2 Correction Exercises

Each sentence has an error in synonym choice. Identify and correct it.

  1. The lawyer made a practical argument in court.
  2. His excuse was tolerable and convincing.
  3. The cost is equitable for most people.
  4. They provided a logical price for the services.
  5. The noise was reasonable during the concert.

Answer Key:

  1. Judicious or sound argument (not “practical” in court context).
  2. Plausible or acceptable excuse (not “tolerable”).
  3. Fair or moderate cost (not “equitable”).
  4. Reasonable or fair price (not “logical”).
  5. Tolerable noise (not “reasonable”).

9.3 Identification Exercises

Underline all synonyms of “reasonable” in the following paragraphs:

  1. The committee reached a practical solution after a fair amount of discussion. The plan was sensible and acceptable to everyone.
  2. His explanation was plausible, and the judge considered it sound. The result was justifiable under the circumstances.
  3. We agreed on a moderate increase in salary, which seemed tolerable to the staff.
  4. She is a rational person, so her decisions are always logical and fair.
  5. The distribution of resources was equitable and practical for both departments.

Answer Key:

  1. practical, fair, sensible, acceptable
  2. plausible, sound, justifiable
  3. moderate, tolerable
  4. rational, logical, fair
  5. equitable, practical

9.4 Sentence Construction

Write original sentences using the given synonym in the specified context:

  1. Feasible (project proposal)
  2. Judicious (spending money)
  3. Fair (competition)
  4. Sensible (advice)
  5. Plausible (excuse)

Sample Answers:

  1. Completing the project in two months is feasible with our current resources.
  2. She made a judicious choice by saving part of her bonus.
  3. The competition was fair and open to everyone.
  4. He always gives sensible advice when I have a problem.
  5. Her excuse for missing the meeting was plausible.

9.5 Matching Exercises

Synonym Definition/Context
a) moderate 1. Not extreme; balanced in amount
b) equitable 2. Fair and impartial (especially in law)
c) plausible 3. Appearing reasonable or likely to be true
d) sensible 4. Based on good judgment and practicality
e) justifiable 5. Able to be shown as reasonable or right

Answer Key:

  • a-1
  • b-2
  • c-3
  • d-4
  • e-5

9.6 Synonym Substitution

Rewrite each sentence using a different, context-appropriate synonym of “reasonable.”

  1. The explanation was reasonable.
  2. The plan is reasonable for our budget.
  3. Their offer was reasonable.
  4. She gave a reasonable response.
  5. The request seemed reasonable.

Sample Answers:

  1. The explanation was plausible.
  2. The plan is feasible for our budget.
  3. Their offer was fair.
  4. She gave a sensible response.
  5. The request seemed justifiable.

10. Advanced Topics

10.1 Semantic Gradation and Subtlety

Some synonyms express degrees of “reasonableness.” Here is a semantic scale:

Least Reasonable Mild Reasonable Strong Most Reasonable
tolerable acceptable reasonable justifiable, tenable unquestionable
The terms are tolerable. The solution is acceptable. The offer is reasonable. The action is justifiable. The evidence is unquestionable.

10.2 Using Synonyms in Academic and Professional Writing

In formal writing, use precise synonyms to enhance clarity:

  • The proposal is tenable given the available data.
  • Her approach was judicious and equitable.
  • The plan appears feasible under current circumstances.
  • This argument is both logical and well-supported.
  • We recommend a moderate increase in funding.
Synonym Definition Legal/Technical Use Example
equitable Fair and impartial Law, contracts An equitable remedy was granted.
tenable Defensible, able to be held Academic, scientific, legal The theory is tenable.
justifiable Can be shown to be right Law, ethics The action was justifiable in self-defense.
sound Reliable, based on valid reasoning Science, law The conclusion is sound.

10.4 Cultural and Regional Variations

  • British English: “Sensible” is commonly used for “reasonable” (e.g., “a sensible idea”).
  • American English: “Practical” and “fair” are more common.
  • Legal English: “Equitable” and “just” have specific legal meanings.
  • Australian English: “Fair enough” is very popular in informal conversation.

Example comparison:
UK: That’s a sensible suggestion.
US: That’s a practical suggestion.

10.5 Etymology and Word Origins

Word Origin Original Meaning
reasonable Latin: “rationabilis” Having reason or logic
fair Old English: “fæger” Beautiful, pleasing, just
logical Greek: “logikos” Pertaining to reasoning
equitable Latin: “aequitas” Equality, fairness
sensible Latin: “sensibilis” Perceptible, reasonable
judicious Latin: “judicium” Judgment, wise
tenable Latin: “tenere” To hold, maintain

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the difference between “reasonable,” “rational,” and “sensible”?

    Reasonable means fair and acceptable. Rational highlights logic and objective reasoning. Sensible emphasizes practicality and common sense. For example, a decision may be reasonable (fair to all), rational (follows logical steps), or sensible (practical for daily life).

  2. When should I use “fair” instead of “reasonable”?

    Use fair when emphasizing justice, equality, or unbiased treatment: He was given a fair trial. Use reasonable for general acceptability: The price is reasonable.

  3. Are there any synonyms for “reasonable” that are more formal?

    Yes, words like equitable, judicious, and tenable are more formal and used in academic, legal, or business contexts.

  4. Can “reasonable” be used to describe both people and things?

    Yes. Reasonable can describe people (a reasonable person) and things (a reasonable price, a reasonable argument).

  5. How do I avoid sounding repetitive when writing essays?

    Use a range of synonyms, such as fair, sensible, practical, plausible, and moderate, to vary your language and maintain reader interest.

  6. Is “logical” always a synonym for “reasonable”?

    Not always. Logical stresses correct reasoning, but something logical is not always fair or practical. A logical argument may not be reasonable in context.

  7. What are some common collocations with “reasonable” and its synonyms?

    Reasonable doubt, reasonable price, reasonable request, fair deal, sensible advice, practical solution, and equitable agreement are common collocations.

  8. Is “fair enough” too informal for business writing?

    Yes, fair enough is informal and best used in conversation. In business writing, use acceptable or reasonable instead.

  9. Are there regional differences in using “reasonable” synonyms?

    Yes. For example, sensible is more common in British English, while practical and fair are often used in American English. Legal and business English may use more formal synonyms.

  10. How can I tell if a synonym fits the context?

    Consider the tone, level of formality, and exact meaning you want. If unsure, check a dictionary for sample sentences and usage notes.

  11. What is the most common mistake learners make with these synonyms?

    Using near-synonyms incorrectly, such as using logical for fair or tolerable for acceptable. Always check the context and meaning.

  12. Can “reasonable” and its synonyms be used as adverbs or nouns?

    Reasonable and most synonyms are adjectives. Some have related adverbs (reasonably, fairly, sensibly) or nouns (reasonableness, fairness), but not all synonyms form these words.

12. Conclusion

Mastering the synonyms of reasonable is a powerful way to enhance your English communication. By understanding the subtle differences between words like fair, sensible, practical, and equitable, you can write and speak with greater precision and confidence. This article has covered definitions, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced nuances, giving you a comprehensive foundation.

Regular practice and mindful synonym selection will help you avoid repetition and add clarity to your writing. Continue exploring vocabulary resources, reading widely, and experimenting with these words in context.

Whether you are a student, teacher, or professional, a nuanced command of language will always set you apart.

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