rather than

1 of 2

conjunction

1

—used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish

rather than continue the argument, he walked away

chose to sing rather than play violin

2

: and not

obscures rather than resolves the problem

why do one thing rather than another?

happy rather than sad

rather than

2 of 2

preposition

: instead of

rather than being pleased, she was angry

Examples of rather than in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Conjunction

The show’s creative team was able to concentrate on making the series itself rather than second-guessing every decision to appeal to the international market. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Tech giants are preparing for a potential future in which people get things done by speaking or typing to AI agent rather than by operating apps and websites. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Preposition

That flexibility makes flow batteries particularly relevant to long-duration storage, where systems may need to deliver electricity for several hours rather than simply provide short bursts of backup power. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026

Test the concept through a short presentation, conversation, or early version rather than keeping it theoretical. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rather than

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan

Kids Definition

rather than

1 of 2 conjunction

1

—used to indicate negation or a contrary choice or wish

rather than argue, he walked away

chose to sing rather than play violin

2

: and not

happy rather than sad

why one thing rather than another?

rather than

2 of 2 preposition

: instead of

rather than being pleased, she was angry