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

Most of us would rather be visiting with family and friends instead of total strangers. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026

There were, remarkably, plenty of men in jeans Monday night — apparently the sort who would rather risk heatstroke than wear shorts to Mötley Crüe. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2026

Tom Brady has a message for NFL players who would rather spend the preseason safely watching from the sideline. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

But the calculation can change for travelers who would rather avoid spending multiple days behind the wheel. — Nia Bowers, Ascend Agency, 13 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for would rather

• gather
• lather