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
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Recent Examples of rare
Actor River Phoenix’s story has long haunted Hollywood: A rising star with rare talent and a tragic ending that came far too soon.
—
William Earl, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
These might include water retention, injection site irritation or, in rare cases, hormonal imbalances if the peptides are affecting growth hormone levels.
—Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 1 Aug. 2025
What will replace the rare French glass HBO (Max) shattered with a random Friday-afternoon rock?
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
In rare cases, EU countries may allow the customer to pay import VAT as a fallback, but this will only apply if explicitly permitted by the Member State—and only in exceptional situations.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
William Earl, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
These might include water retention, injection site irritation or, in rare cases, hormonal imbalances if the peptides are affecting growth hormone levels.
—Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 1 Aug. 2025
What will replace the rare French glass HBO (Max) shattered with a random Friday-afternoon rock?
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
In rare cases, EU countries may allow the customer to pay import VAT as a fallback, but this will only apply if explicitly permitted by the Member State—and only in exceptional situations.
—Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
-
Their target area was unusual, though: a strip of lawn between the road and a fence bordering Interstate 65, where homeless people have set up about two dozen tents over the first half of this year.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 July 2025
-
Summer storms cause travel headaches every year, but these numbers are not unusual.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Edmund is particularly exquisite in bringing to life the layered history of a location, transporting readers through the eyes of the famous who might have stared at the same monument.—
Michael T. Luongo
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
-
Where a few queens overdo the assignment, Daya’s duct-tape gown reminded that her bad-girl aesthetic still comes channeled through Daya’s exquisite taste.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
There are occasional boring stretches, along with confounding ones.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Limited closet space may mean that following the one in, one out rule isn't just an occasional practice but is necessary in order to prevent your wardrobe from bursting at the seams!—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, several weeks of free rent are not uncommon, along with gift cards and other specials to entice renters.—
Beck Andrew Salgado,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
Spotty cell service or none at all is not uncommon in parts of Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio.—
Suzanne Gamboa,
NBC news,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
This extraordinary endorsement from the highest levels of government underscores just how mainstream bitcoin has become.—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The Spa The hotel has a small spa with a steam room, sauna, ice bath, and a relaxation room with extraordinary views of the mountains.—
Becky Sunshine,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The King of Umbria Red Wines Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG is another wine for people who love elegant tannins and a richly fruity taste.—
Elisabetta Tosi,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Maybe, with its hidden codes often invisible to those who are not looking, cruising looks like an elegant method of resistance.—
Emily Witt,
New Yorker,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
When something bad happens, five seconds later, something funny in life happens.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
31 July 2025
-
Chuck Lorre is back with yet another laugh-out-loud funny show to add to his TV universe.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
Physicists are creating quantum computers with exceptional computing speeds, enabling a new kind of analytics and cryptography.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
If De La Cruz is better to his left because Hayes is on his right, the infield should be relatively airtight with second baseman Matt McLain and Spencer Steer, who has quickly become an exceptional defensive first baseman.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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