RARE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'rare' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice , dainty , delicate , elegant , and exquisite . While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence. // rare beauty

Q: In what contexts can 'choice' take the place of 'rare'?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind. // choice fabric

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dainty' instead of 'rare'?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate. // dainty sandwiches

Q: When could 'delicate' be used to replace 'rare'?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility. // delicate craftsmanship

Q: When can 'elegant' be used instead of 'rare'?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste. // a sumptuous but elegant dining room

Q: When might 'exquisite' be a better fit than 'rare'?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste. // an exquisite gold bracelet

rare

adjective

ˈrer

Definition of rare

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exquisite

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in uncommon

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced "Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rare different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and exquisite. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

In what contexts can choice take the place of rare?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When is it sensible to use dainty instead of rare?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When could delicate be used to replace rare?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When can elegant be used instead of rare?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When might exquisite be a better fit than rare?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of rare As a result, The Odyssey‘s strongest sequences provide the all-too-rare sensation of truly not being able to believe your eyes as they’re sucked into the screen. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 Marked down a rare 36 percent, these chic loafers are crafted from sleek leather for a streamlined, sophisticated look on the outside and a pillowy feel on the inside, leaving all-day comfort at the forefront. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026 The discovery closes the last major gap in the species' Northern Hemisphere range and gives researchers a rare chance to watch an invasive species gain a foothold in a new ecosystem. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 July 2026 Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) have successfully completed a rare 2,300-hour experiment testing a commercial shaft seal under conditions that mimic those of a molten salt reactor (MSR). — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare

Adjective

Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

This novel-in-verse is an exquisite rendering of Hekate’s tale from childhood to growing into her power as a witch and a goddess with the power to visit the underworld.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
The real design consideration is in the exquisite gamer aesthetic.

— Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026

Definition of exquisite

Adjective

Lean beef burgers, pulled chicken and the occasional hot dog also fit the plan.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Under rural Spanish skies, particularly in dark-sky regions away from towns and cities, observers could see 30 to 50 meteors per hour, with occasional bursts producing even more.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

An inconclusive ballistics result is not uncommon, as the analysis depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments recovered.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
This trend reflects companies' need to expand and contract rapidly, prompting landlords to prebuild and furnish spaces, a practice uncommon just five years ago.

— Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

Given the extraordinary breadth of work recognized each year and the limited time available within a three-hour broadcast, a select number of categories will be moving to the Emmy ceremonies taking place the week prior to the telecast.

— Peter White, Deadline, 17 July 2026
The star is, of course, the fynbos, that extraordinary shrubland ecosystem that transforms the landscape with seasonal color, intricate textures and astonishing biodiversity.

— Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

The 26-year-old Houston native was an instant draw for audiences, who connected with her funny, outspoken—yet still plenty vulnerable—personality.

— Rachel Brodsky, Time, 14 July 2026
More than just funny mistakes Spoonerisms are only one kind of speech error.

— Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Definition of funny

Adjective

Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026

Definition of exceptional

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“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rare

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