logical

[loj-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. according to or agreeing with the principles of logic.

   a logical inference.

   Synonyms: valid
   Antonyms: unreasonable

2. reasoning in accordance with the principles of logic, as a person or the mind.

   logical thinking.

   Antonyms: unreasonable

3. reasonable; to be expected.

   War was the logical consequence of such threats.

   Synonyms: valid
   Antonyms: unreasonable

4. of or relating to logic.

logical

/ ˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

adjective

1. relating to, used in, or characteristic of logic

2. using, according to, or deduced from the principles of logic

   a logical conclusion

3. capable of or characterized by clear or valid reasoning

4. reasonable or necessary because of facts, events, etc

   the logical candidate

5. computing of, performed by, used in, or relating to the logic circuits in a computer

Other Word Forms

• logicality noun
• logically adverb
• logicalness noun
• hyperlogical adjective
• hyperlogicalness noun
• hyperlogicality noun
• nonlogical adjective
• nonlogicalness noun
• nonlogicality noun
• overlogical adjective
• overlogicalness noun
• overlogicality noun
• prelogical adjective
• quasi-logical adjective
• superlogical adjective
• superlogicality noun
• unlogical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of logical¹

From the Medieval Latin word logicālis, dating back to 1490–1500; logic, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Mark Sculpher, professor of health economics at the University of York, said there is no logical link between the prices the NHS pays to pharmaceutical companies and their decisions to locate manufacturing in the U.K.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It requires a logical and creative thought process.

Read more on BBC

That’s a big gap in performance, but there’s a logical explanation.

Read more on MarketWatch

A relentlessly logical investigator must solve a mystery rooted in love and loyalty.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Robotics enthusiasts hailed it as the next logical step after the personal-computer revolution—a robot for every household.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cogent 
• coherent 
• compelling 
• consistent 
• convincing 
• intelligent 
• legitimate 
• lucid 
• necessary 
• obvious 
• plausible 
• rational 
• reasonable 
• relevant 
• sensible 
• valid 
• wise