1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rare
Rare Art and Collectibles The tax benefits of rare art and collectibles is variable.
—
Matt King, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Though very unlikely, prolonged sitting also increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a rare and potentially serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
That’s certainly rare — especially when the show has been this successful.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
Of late, in a rare instance of going further than the right-wing Project 2025 itself, Trump has been testing out the notion of kicking U.S. citizens, naturalized and born here, out of the country too.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Matt King, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Though very unlikely, prolonged sitting also increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a rare and potentially serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
That’s certainly rare — especially when the show has been this successful.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
Of late, in a rare instance of going further than the right-wing Project 2025 itself, Trump has been testing out the notion of kicking U.S. citizens, naturalized and born here, out of the country too.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
-
There was an unusual silence surrounding Sacramento’s apparent acquisition of Dennis Schroder on Monday after the Kings reportedly reached an agreement with the free agent point guard.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2025
-
Thanks to the rapid ascension of brands like Ganni and Saks Potts in recent years, Danish fashion has become a global sensation with its unusual silhouettes, playful colors and patterns, and effortless, bike-ready vibe.—
Stephanie Sporn,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Le Melange is a pastry boutique that felt like an exquisite jewelry store.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2025
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All this evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.—
John Last,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
The 32-year-old spent the last two seasons exclusively in the NHL after grinding his way through AHL seasons with the occasional call-up.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
-
Several chains have announced deals to mark the occasional on their websites, in social media or in news releases.—
Fielding Buck,
Oc Register,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
About 46 novas per year explode in the Milky Way—but since many are very far away, spotting one with the naked eye in the night sky is uncommon.—
Elizabeth Gamillo,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 July 2025
-
And on purely residential streets, that type of building is uncommon since many houses don't have separate bases.—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Under his leadership, Apple launched the Watch, expanded into the health sector, and maintained extraordinary logistical consistency despite global disruptions.—
Nate Bennett,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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In both cases, the National Weather Service offered clear warnings of potentially life-threatening weather events; in Los Angeles, warnings were given days before extraordinary winds — of up to 100 mph — slammed a region already suffering from a record-dry fall.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Order the celebration of summer strawberries, which includes an incredibly elegant presentation of shave ice.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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Actor Andrew Garfield wore his trusty Omega De Ville Trésor, soccer star Bukayo Saka flexed a gorgeous Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa flaunted an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Well its funny to say this to Forbes — but the fashion system is financially small but culturally a very potent front of western supremacy.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Make funny faces, play peek-a-boo, take them for a walk around the neighborhood.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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One traveler noted their exceptional comfort during a trip to Portugal, praising their elevated look and all-day wearability.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2025
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Drought Severe to exceptional drought conditions were prevalent for much of south-central Texas when the downpours came, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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