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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 An international research team reached their conclusion after analyzing more than 130 samples from young volcanoes located across a rare geological region below Ethiopia. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 June 2025 Holland America Line, a Travel + Leisure World's Best winner for midsize-ship ocean cruise lines, has unveiled two new itineraries for the rare sky event, which will take place on on Aug. 2, 2027. Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025 The eastern Congo region in particular has many valuable resources, including rare minerals such as tantalum and tungsten. Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 25 June 2025 Accidents in that phase of flight are rare, said Paul Hayes, safety director at UK consultancy Cirium Ascend. Allison Lampert, USA Today, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • Finally, real-time monitoring can detect unusual activity, such as multiple login attempts or access from unfamiliar IP addresses, allowing organizers to respond quickly to potential threats. 3.
    Michele Dobnikar, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • There was an unusual silence surrounding Sacramento’s apparent acquisition of Dennis Schroder on Monday after the Kings reportedly reached an agreement with the free agent point guard.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Food is served on the exquisite plates and bowls handcrafted by Ishii.
    Akiko Katayama, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • All this evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.
    John Last, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Colorado and Arizona State offer little more than an occasional flash.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • Allegedly set between Episode III and IV, with some occasional flashback episodes, the series would delve into aspects of the Star Wars universe that hadn't been explored before, such as different criminal factions operating across Coruscant.
    Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Every great American story is sentimental in the same way: instincts born out of struggle, the triumph of the schoolyard over the classroom, uncommon creativity driven by necessity.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • That’s not an uncommon sight for K-pop superstars, as their massive followings understand how the charts work and focus their energy on pushing a title as high as possible in its first frame.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Outstanding Actress in a Limited Series Cristin Milioti in The Penguin Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series Deirdre O’Connell in The Penguin Cristin is just so extraordinary, and she’s always been extraordinary.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • These bargain hunters will sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to find a deal.
    Linnea Geiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • For the rest of her styling, Gomez wore a black gown with velvet bow detailing and an elegant French bob, proving that lilac goes with pretty much anything.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 30 June 2025
  • Rivers in Ecuador, India, and Canada provide the settings for this elegant travelogue, which asks whether a natural entity, such as a river, can be regarded as a living thing.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Much like his character, Boyce is mild-mannered, kind and effortlessly funny.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • McGrath's older brother and two of her younger sisters described her as funny, sarcastic, full of life and so caring that the homeless in her neighborhood greeted her by name.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • On the pitching side, Tampa Bay’s greatest advantage has been exceptional durability.
    Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Danny Boyle is a director known for his exceptional use of music to score key — and now iconic — scenes in his films.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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