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

Some beneficiaries want to preserve the collection, while others would rather receive distributions. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 29 July 2026

Running a medical practice today is brutal, and most physicians would rather treat patients than administer billing systems and navigate insurance complexities. — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Pierre Lucotte, deputy CEO for Palantir France, said some federal agencies would rather forego necessary software than pay the company. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Some pups would rather chill than run around in an open field, while others can’t stop moving until their head hits the pillow (or dog bed). — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Rhymes for would rather

• gather
• lather