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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 To some, Aschenbrenner is a rare genius who saw the moment — the coming of humanlike AGI, China’s accelerating AI race, and the vast fortunes awaiting those who move first — more clearly than anyone else. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025 But Podrebarac's unique approach to selling rare bottles of bourbon isn't welcomed by all. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025 The project offered a rare opening for the actor to take a risk. David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025 Structure was rare; plans were rarer. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • This is not particularly unusual, and in a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, forcing a team down one side is effective.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration's unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Matières Fécales made some exquisite pieces, despite their challenging name.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The looming Brewers-Dodgers matchup would be exquisite.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Besides the occasional random spider that scuttles indoors, some spiders can live in out-of-the-way spots in your home, such as along ceilings or in basements and behind clutter.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • And yes, there were occasional hijinks spurred by youthful boredom and restlessness.
    Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During this process, scientists look at the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, testing it first in small groups to assess safety, then in larger groups to confirm protection and detect uncommon side effects.
    David Higgins, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Side effects are uncommon in healthy people and may include symptoms like gas and bloating.
    Kirstyn Hill, Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, Ecuador has avoided the extraordinary inflation that has afflicted so many nations in South America, including Argentina.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Created in her honor, this rose symbolizes her lifelong mission to protect people, animals, and the environment, offering gardeners a living reminder of her extraordinary impact and enduring message of hope.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The home’s signatures, soaring inside spaces and elegant natural materials, are designed to match the spectacular vistas seen through towering floor-to-ceiling windows.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
  • With its refined silhouette, subtle logo detailing, and classic colors—from black to a fall-ready burgundy—the elegant accessory can be dressed down for coffee runs and classed up for date nights.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The novel reminds us of how funny Krasznahorkai can be.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Karlsson is very likable, funny, smart and charismatic.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some of them waged it, encamping with the armies, cooking, cleaning, and nursing, and, in a few exceptional cases, grabbing muskets themselves.
    Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Misa, one of the rare players to be given exceptional player status from Hockey Canada, was taken under Haight’s wing.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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