as in pastoral
of, relating to, associated with, or typical of open areas with few buildings or people
grew up in a rural community where more than half the people were farmers a painter noted for his rural landscapes
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rural
Small religious schools in rural states are shutting down at an accelerating rate, a fate these two are attempting to avoid.
—
Jon Marcus, NPR, 18 May 2025
These issues cut across urban and rural lines and are acute in high schools: 61% of public high school teachers cite absenteeism as a major issue.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Set in rural America, the film is a portrait of a married woman’s (Lawrence) mental disintegration as post-natal depression consumes and obliterates her.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 May 2025
The 4-year-old boy was first reported missing around 4 p.m. in rural Belton, according to Ronnie Lozano, a Cass County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rural
Jon Marcus, NPR, 18 May 2025
These issues cut across urban and rural lines and are acute in high schools: 61% of public high school teachers cite absenteeism as a major issue.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Set in rural America, the film is a portrait of a married woman’s (Lawrence) mental disintegration as post-natal depression consumes and obliterates her.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 May 2025
The 4-year-old boy was first reported missing around 4 p.m. in rural Belton, according to Ronnie Lozano, a Cass County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
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This double belonging—to the United States by birth, but to Peru by choice, service, and love—may give us some insight into Pope Leo’s pastoral identity.—
Raúl E. Zegarra,
Time,
17 May 2025
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Several bishops likened Pope Leo XIV to a fusion of Popes Francis and Benedict, noting his blend of intellectual rigor and pastoral warmth while highlighting his Augustinian background and canon law expertise.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Fellow country singer Luke Bryan is also returning as a judge, making Lionel Richie the only non-country artist in a prominent role on the show.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
4 Feb. 2025
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To some, the look echoed what has been a big night for country music—especially for non-country musicians.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2024
Adjective
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Yet, the rustic charm comes with quirks that would test even the most adventurous.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Featuring an outdoor pool and two hot tubs (a rarity in the U.K.), Cliveden’s spa is a dreamy place nestled behind rustic brick walls to lounge on a balmy Saturday or Sunday.—
Claudia Fisher,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Image The anticipation of selling her house is bittersweet, as Ms. Collins enjoys her bucolic surroundings and watching birds nest in her yard.—
Lana Bortolot,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
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Prairie Village, Kansas, a bucolic suburb west of State Line Road, was one of Nichols’ crowning achievements.—
Alfredo Sosa,
Christian Science Monitor,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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