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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 For day three, that’s great value — and pretty rare. Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 In his Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump said Russia stole Crimea from Ukraine, a rare acknowledgement from the U.S. president that Russia illegally annexed the region. Erin Doherty, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025 This was the fourth interview the President has done with TIME since clinching the Republican nomination for President last spring, and a rare long-form, on-the-record interview, one of the longest with any news organization since his Inauguration in January. Sam Jacobs, Time, 25 Apr. 2025 The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday. John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • That’s not unusual, for people to send spritzes, but then the manager came out with a gift bag.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
  • But many don't realize there are lots of other, more unusual ways allergies can show up.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Rod is yet another exquisite entry on his résumé of ultraentitled, deeply insecure men.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • In the heart of the city’s exclusive Gangnam neighborhood, this hotel is a short distance from upscale eateries, exquisite boutique shopping and tourist attractions.
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Consistency turns occasional readers into followers who can predict your stance on related issues.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Those posts often highlight the overconfident way the AI Overview frames its idiomatic explanations and occasional problems with the model confabulating sources that don't exist.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The eminence whom the film casts as the prime mover of benevolent governance is Nelson Rockefeller, a liberal Republican (the breed wasn’t uncommon then) who was the state’s governor from 1959 to 1973.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Loud noises in the night weren't uncommon—but this time was different.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the following months, Modi’s government introduced a series of extraordinary initiatives meant to solidify Hindu dominance.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • One minor injury was reported in the extraordinary mishap.
    Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With elegant interiors, a stunning outdoor patio, and a nod to the artistic and culinary traditions of the Côte d'Azur, Claudie invites guests to indulge in the magic of the South of France with every visit.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • What’s funny about that is that Alexander appears to have some Leonard Williams to his game.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Not lying and not funny, but not to be ignored either.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His answer, given the exceptional political and economic turmoil in Canada, was a bit surprising.
    Ian Austen, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The secret to an exceptional Amatriciana lies in selecting impeccable guanciale Amatriciano—with its perfect balance of tender meat and luxurious fat—creating the foundation upon which this masterpiece is built.
    Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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