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
Some studies have suggested a slightly elevated -- but overall very rare -- risk of seizures when all four are given as a combo shot to kids 12 to 15 months old.
—
Will McDuffie, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
The muse, known as Lucybelle II, was a rare privateer entry that demonstrated the determination of non-factory teams.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025
Today, the program simultaneously acknowledges the rare but very real side effects of vaccines, and gives vaccine makers an important liability shield.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
Because of the preparation, surprises are rare.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Will McDuffie, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
The muse, known as Lucybelle II, was a rare privateer entry that demonstrated the determination of non-factory teams.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025
Today, the program simultaneously acknowledges the rare but very real side effects of vaccines, and gives vaccine makers an important liability shield.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
Because of the preparation, surprises are rare.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
-
This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Marco Anelli/Tommaso Sacconi © Curated by Nicola Lucchi, Magazzino’s Director of Research and Education, the exhibition chronicles Ohira’s (1946–2022) career in Murano – a Venetian island renowned for its long history and exquisite art of glassmaking – which spanned nearly four decades.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Fathi used a 600 mm telephoto lens to capture exquisite detail on the lunar surface, and 50 mm and 14 mm lenses to image the striking chalk formations of the White Desert.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
It’s located in an oak knoll for peak tranquility, surrounded by olive trees and verdant plants and visited by the occasional deer.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
20 Sep. 2025
-
However, there has been the occasional homeless person who wanders onto the property and needs to be redirected or community member who wants to attend the mass, not realizing the service is for the school kids only.—
Lou Ponsi,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The country’s midterm elections were approaching, and violence around elections was not uncommon.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Adam Goldstein of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said that’s not uncommon, and all experts agreed the number of people participating in this effort is largely unheard of.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These systems offer extraordinary capabilities for climate modeling, resource optimization and ecological monitoring.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
But parents still have extraordinary power and influence to help their sons navigate the confusing digital messaging onslaught found on their social media feeds.—
Ashleigh N. DeLuca,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In a dark wash The most elegant, most versatile, and easiest solution for how to style barrel jeans is simply buying a pair in a dark wash.—
Lucía Tejo,
Glamour,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Named one of the best new hotels of 2024 by T+L editors in the annual It List, this sharp 190-key property pays homage to British automotive and aeronautic history with a replica of the Concorde on the ceiling of its elegant rooftop restaurant, Brooklands by Claude Bosi.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Above all, the film is simply very funny.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Funerals are not funny and responsible broadcasters always separate murder from mirth.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While the Second Circuit decidedly disfavors rehearings en banc, the court identifies several exceptional circumstances where petitions are granted.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The show explores the complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette, and her timeless appeal, defined by her exceptional style and controversial image, which became synonymous with excess—representing youth, decadence, power and notoriety.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share