RARE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'rare' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice , dainty , delicate , elegant , and exquisite . While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence. // rare beauty

Q: In what contexts can 'choice' take the place of 'rare'?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind. // choice fabric

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dainty' instead of 'rare'?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate. // dainty sandwiches

Q: When could 'delicate' be used to replace 'rare'?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility. // delicate craftsmanship

Q: When can 'elegant' be used instead of 'rare'?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste. // a sumptuous but elegant dining room

Q: When might 'exquisite' be a better fit than 'rare'?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste. // an exquisite gold bracelet

rare

adjective

ˈrer

Definition of rare next

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rare different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and exquisite. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

In what contexts can choice take the place of rare?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When is it sensible to use dainty instead of rare?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When could delicate be used to replace rare?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When can elegant be used instead of rare?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When might exquisite be a better fit than rare?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

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 Members of both parties should treat the CREATE AI Act as a rare chance to pass an AI bill that has already been debated, refined, and proven in pilot form. —

Neil Björkman, Fortune, 1 July 2026 Brady reached such a rare level of excellence that the list of American athletes with comparable legacies is minuscule. —

Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 That's a rare degree of bullish skew in options flows for any security, especially one with so little trailing price momentum. —

Oliver Renick, CNBC, 1 July 2026 The torch has been closed to the public since 1916, making Muir's ascent a rare event. —

Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare

Adjective

Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

One of the victors is this exquisite 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupe, with flowing bodywork by Parisian coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
Explore Nový Bor, Czech Republic, a hub for exquisite Bohemian glass, and Tönning, Germany, showcasing contemporary wool craftsmanship.

— Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of exquisite

Adjective

Luke Russert joined his father for major political conventions and occasional shows on the road, Fischer Martin said.

— Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
This frequent, high-profile casting strategy, distinct from occasional star cameos, transforms 'Oh, Mary' into a dynamic, high-demand theatrical experience.

— Katie North, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

An inconclusive ballistics result is not uncommon, as the analysis depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments recovered.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
This trend reflects companies' need to expand and contract rapidly, prompting landlords to prebuild and furnish spaces, a practice uncommon just five years ago.

— Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

This year’s celebration comes on the heels of a late June warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that released extraordinary amounts of soot and smoke across the county, on par with pollution generated by the previous year’s wildfires.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
These were moments of extraordinary dissent against the British government by American colonists.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026