would rather

phrase

—used to indicate what one wants or prefers to do, have, etc.

She would rather drive than take the train.

I would rather you didn't tell them.

"If you'd rather, we can go outside." "No, thanks—I'd rather not."

Which beach would you rather go to?

Examples of would rather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those who would rather get a little more physical activity in, there are also complimentary bikes available to guests. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026

Wilson also said that Graham does not want to be a senator and would rather have her brother back. — Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2026

Workers are paying the bill for this largesse, and most would rather see that money in their paychecks than spent on bloated health care prices. — Tony Lo Sasso, STAT, 29 Oct. 2026

Most residents of Port-au-Prince would rather see dramatic change, after years of brutal gang violence that have driven over a million people from their homes. — CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for would rather

• gather
• lather