RAREFIED Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

rarefied

adjective

Definition of rarefied

as in buoyant

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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 rarefied Muse Spark made a splash last week when an industry index gave it a top score, putting it in rarefied air with frontier models from leading labs like OpenAI and Anthropic. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026 While the film’s logline hints at something a bit darker — a young woman makes her way through the rarefied world of New York literary mags in the years before #MeToo is even a glimmer — there’s a real lightness to the final film. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 Kokomo is in a set of islands in Fiji’s south, a rarefied stretch that isn't touristy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026 The pivot to darkness in the third book and movie is what made Rowling's work ascend into rarefied air. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rarefied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rarefied

Adjective

The stock market remains buoyant; the labor market is robust; most financial conditions indicators continue to show little restraint, either in lending or borrowing.

— Steve Liesman,Matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
During testing, the structure remained buoyant even after cracks developed, connection points fractured, and an entire lattice layer broke apart.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

Warm, weightless themes rose like thermals, shaking loose a shower of staccato droplets in the woodwinds.

— Justin Davidson, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
The magnificent lace of the collar, the shimmering black of the garment, the delicate, almost-weightless cuffs.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of weightless

Adjective

In the Christian tradition, these words are a grim warning of our transience, the vaporous substance of our lives.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026
Hz [Warp] Warp lodestars Seefeel are most recognizable for their vaporous blend of shoegaze, ambient, and experimental electronic music.

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026

Definition of vaporous

Adjective

Cushioning was also considered, with the Gel-Transcend FJ using the brand’s proprietary FlyteFoam technology for lightweight comfort.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
To build true relationship equity, brands must transform SMS from a promotional megaphone into a responsive, bidirectional utility powered by lightweight agentic intelligence.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of lightweight

Adjective

Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.

— Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

Definition of unsubstantial

Adjective

The volunteer-run group is pursuing an unconventional Airship to Orbit plan that could use lighter-than-air vehicles to reach space.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
That’s likely due to the shoes’ lighter-than-air cushioning that’s made with the highest energy-return foam that the brand has ever made.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of lighter-than-air

Adjective

What can’t go unremarked upon, though, is the surpassing wonder of Dennis Gassner and Richard Johnson’s production design, a near-Brechtian marvel of diaphanous screens, rotating parts, and other ingenious devices.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Jacquard, mesh and fil coupé raffia created dynamic three-dimensional effects, and a diaphanous oversize trenchcoat reflected Gonella’s fabric research.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

The length of time for this flimsy assignment, even if primarily conducted in class, gives students ample opportunity to use AI between classes.

— Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
Hardened cockpit Flight deck doors pre-9/11 were often just as flimsy as the lavatory doors.

— Jeff Price, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of flimsy

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“Rarefied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rarefied. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rarefied

adjective

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