1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exquisite
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in occasional
not often occurring or repeated
the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced
"Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rare
For day three, that’s great value — and pretty rare.
—
Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
In his Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump said Russia stole Crimea from Ukraine, a rare acknowledgement from the U.S. president that Russia illegally annexed the region.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
This was the fourth interview the President has done with TIME since clinching the Republican nomination for President last spring, and a rare long-form, on-the-record interview, one of the longest with any news organization since his Inauguration in January.
—Sam Jacobs, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday.
—John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
In his Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump said Russia stole Crimea from Ukraine, a rare acknowledgement from the U.S. president that Russia illegally annexed the region.
—Erin Doherty, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
This was the fourth interview the President has done with TIME since clinching the Republican nomination for President last spring, and a rare long-form, on-the-record interview, one of the longest with any news organization since his Inauguration in January.
—Sam Jacobs, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday.
—John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
-
Although not musicians, the Goldbergs quickly realized there was something unusual about their 3-year-old boy.—
Steve Rothaus,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
-
For one group of six girls living in Waterloo, Canada, their lives took an unusual turn when a couple of very territorial geese decided to claim their front lawn as their own.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This small deciduous tree's exquisite blossoms show up before the leaves each year.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Bryson DeChambeau DeChambeau does little wrong, and he’s been exquisite in every facet this week.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Consistency turns occasional readers into followers who can predict your stance on related issues.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Those posts often highlight the overconfident way the AI Overview frames its idiomatic explanations and occasional problems with the model confabulating sources that don't exist.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The eminence whom the film casts as the prime mover of benevolent governance is Nelson Rockefeller, a liberal Republican (the breed wasn’t uncommon then) who was the state’s governor from 1959 to 1973.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Loud noises in the night weren't uncommon—but this time was different.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Australia is home to an extraordinary share of Earth’s biodiversity.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
In the following months, Modi’s government introduced a series of extraordinary initiatives meant to solidify Hindu dominance.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The classic Dutch bike-style step through frame is perhaps one of the most elegant imaginings of a bicycle.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
What’s funny about that is that Alexander appears to have some Leonard Williams to his game.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
What started out curious is going to curiouser — funny, violent and wild.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
His answer, given the exceptional political and economic turmoil in Canada, was a bit surprising.—
Ian Austen,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The secret to an exceptional Amatriciana lies in selecting impeccable guanciale Amatriciano—with its perfect balance of tender meat and luxurious fat—creating the foundation upon which this masterpiece is built.—
Jenn Rice,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share