logical

adjective

log·​i·​cal ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce logical (audio)
1
a(1)
: of, relating to, involving, or being in accordance with logic
a logical conclusion
(2)
: skilled in logic
b
: formally true or valid : analytic, deductive
a logical statement
2
: capable of reasoning or of using reason in an orderly cogent fashion
a logical thinker
logicality noun
logically adverb
logicalness noun

Examples of logical in a Sentence

Since she helped us before, it's logical to assume that she'll help us again. He seems to be a logical choice for the job. She wasn't able to give me a logical explanation for her behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web Ukrainian military analysts said the decision to replace the top naval commander was logical, given that Russian efforts to defend its fleet from attacks have failed. Paul Sonne, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 In rattlesnakes, puzzling them out would be a next logical step. Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 The only logical next step for Trader Joe's is to release another tote bag, even smaller this time, and price it at $75. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 8 Mar. 2024 Serious people should know what an older version of antisemitic denialism was all about: a steady stream of factual nitpicks, logical inversions and rhetorical legerdemain meant to obfuscate and deny the greatest crime in history. Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 Perry credited the decision to disruptions wrought by recent advancements in AI technology, but a more logical explanation is the downturn in production caused by a retrenchment in streaming wars and the ongoing effects of Hollywood labor disputes. Todd Longwell, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 The Los Angeles Rams — who offered a monster deal for Burns in 2022 — also seem like logical trade partners. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 Metaphors may seem to make bitcoin easier to understand, but over-reliance on them leads down a trail of flawed logical consequences. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The other is a breakthrough in logical planning that produces better code but also might point the way towards AI models that can perform lots of other reasoning tasks better than existing models. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'logical.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of logical was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near logical

Cite this Entry

“Logical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logical. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

logical

adjective
log·​i·​cal ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce logical (audio)
1
: of or relating to logic : used in logic
2
: according to the rules of logic
a logical argument
3
: skilled in logic
a logical thinker
4
: being in agreement with what may be reasonably expected
a logical result of an action
logically adverb
logicalness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on logical

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