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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 Specifically, the child died of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare, but always fatal complication that strikes years after an initial measles infection. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025 For a camera this loaded, that kind of deal is super rare. PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025 It’s become an increasingly rare sight, seeing these two together and happy. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 Go on a Glowing Night Paddle There are very few places in the world to witness the natural magic of bioluminescence, and the Space Coast is one of those rare places. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Routh, who is representing himself, has filed unusual motions requesting strippers and a golf round with the president.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Pieces includes such exquisite gemstones as a 79 carat aquamarine, pink sapphires, tsavorites, cabochon rubellites and diamonds.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The rapper donned an exquisite gown by Gianni Versace sourced from Timeless Vixen, based in Beverly Hills, California.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The boats offer a low-effort way to spy on some of the coolest marine life in the region, including bat rays and even the occasional shark.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • By night, Criel entertains guests for intimate dinners — and the occasional artistic performance.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The workers may be shackled or handcuffed, and torture is not uncommon.
    Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • While that's not uncommon, Powell warned that Snitker might regret that decision as Acuna has earned the right to hold onto a leading spot amid a slump.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tusk, the Polish prime minister, convened an extraordinary government meeting early on Wednesday, bringing together the country's emergency and military officials.
    Will Gretsky, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy statement during the parliamentary extraordinary session prior to a confidence vote over the government’s austerity budget, at the National Assembly in Paris on September 8, 2025.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts For an elegant dessert option, the $4 Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts bring a European flair to the table.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Here, the atmosphere is upscale and elegant; perhaps one of the nicest Chinese dining rooms in Charlotte, despite the staff still trying to get a handle on hostess, service and wait time logistics.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zambians are warm, funny, proud.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Darkly funny and deeply melancholic, the film turns the family estate into a pressure cooker of grief, grudges and reluctant affection.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Angela Grothaus and Lisa Human have been promoted to partners, recognizing their exceptional leadership and dedication to client service, the release said.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The ceremony will also recognize Brunello Cucinelli, who will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award for exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the fashion industry.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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