Synonyms of rare

rare

adjective

ˈrer 

1

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary

even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unique
• uncommon
• abnormal
• odd
• remarkable
• outstanding
• singular
• exceeding
• incredible
• atypical
• anomalous
• phenomenal
• peculiar
• noticeable
• aberrant
• striking
• unwonted
• especial
• notable
• freak
• prominent
• uncustomary
• conspicuous
• preternatural
• salient
• aberrated
• strange
• bizarre
• extraordinaire
• eccentric
• weird
• deviant
• inconceivable
• quaint
• oddball
• unthinkable
• unimaginable
• outlandish
• freakish
• incomprehensible
• monstrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• normal
• ordinary
• typical
• usual
• customary
• frequent
• unexceptional
• unextraordinary
• familiar
• everyday

2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exquisite
• elegant
• fine
• special
• select
• exceptional
• excellent
• exclusive
• delicate
• wonderful
• outstanding
• choice
• dainty
• great
• premium
• classic
• recherché
• superb
• better
• fancy
• fabulous
• high-grade
• terrific
• marvelous
• splendid
• sensational
• prime
• superlative
• stellar
• elite
• first-class
• sterling
• noble
• first-rate
• superior
• transcendent
• jewellike
• bijou
• unsurpassed
• par excellence
• top
• top-notch
• grand
• ultrarare
• tip-top
• supernal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gross
• rough
• coarse
• popular
• commercial
• common
• vulgar
• unpolished
• tasteless
• ordinary
• unrefined
• kitschy
• uncultivated
• uncultured
• raffish
• lesser
• average
• lowbrow
• rough-hewn
• kitsch
• mediocre
• unacceptable
• second-class
• unsatisfactory
• deficient
• inferior
• second-rate
• mass-produced
• low-grade
• substandard
• wanting
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine

3

as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated

the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occasional
• odd
• infrequent
• unusual
• isolated
• uncommon
• sporadic
• scarce
• few and far between
• unique
• scattered
• intermittent
• discontinuous
• irregular
• erratic
• fitful
• spasmodic
• spotty
• unsteady
• choppy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• frequent
• regular
• common
• daily
• ordinary
• routine

4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• uncommon
• unusual
• funny
• strange
• weird
• extraordinary
• unique
• curious
• odd
• peculiar
• special
• bizarre
• singular
• out-of-the-way
• unaccustomed
• offbeat
• remarkable
• queer
• uncustomary
• abnormal
• eccentric
• exceptional
• noticeable
• atypical
• noteworthy
• oddball
• outlandish
• notable
• outré
• particular
• aberrant
• far-out
• way-out
• kooky
• newsworthy
• irregular

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• ordinary
• usual
• plain
• normal
• typical
• regular
• unexceptional
• familiar
• predictable
• expected

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

Recent Examples of rare

Ice cream was a rare and expensive treat for centuries because of the difficulty of storing ice. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Pharmaceutical companies will be looking for changes at the agency, too, after rejections or reversals of biotech drugs intended for rare diseases. — Matthew Perrone, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Pharmaceutical companies will also be looking for changes at the agency, following rejections or reversals of biotech drugs intended for rare diseases. — Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

However, cuts in home prices remain rare and relatively modest. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026