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

Emmett, wary from the start, would rather see the back of him, and his suspicions grow when word spreads of a series of brutal murders in the area. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

That revenue uptick is why Newcastle would rather be in Europe’s third-tier tournament than no continental competition at all. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

For example, some people thrive on a grain-free paleo diet, while others would rather not give up bread. — Sunny Sea Gold, HEALTH, 7 Sep. 2026

The Universal Kids Resort Hotel is also onsite for those who would rather do an overnight stay. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for would rather

• gather
• lather