RAREFIED Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

rarefied

adjective

Definition of rarefied

as in buoyant

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 rarefied In 2011, Brian Jensen opened Bottlecraft, a bottle shop in Little Italy that offered craft ales and lagers in a rarefied environment, going beyond standard liquor stores and beverage retailers. — Brandon Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026 Not everything works, notably the rarefied nature of the score, which at time sounds like Rufus Norris’ quirky verbatim musical London Road (2015). — Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026 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 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 See All Example Sentences for rarefied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rarefied

Adjective

The story is told from the perspective of infant twins with divergent personalities—Rose is unguardedly buoyant, whereas Marigold is watchful and introspective.

— Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
The Dutch semiconductor equipment maker said that some of its customers are expressing interest in placing orders for its critical semiconductor tools for 2029 and 2030 as AI demand remains buoyant.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

The Cream Multi-Stick can be used across cheeks, lips and eyes, delivering buildable color and a dewy finish through a creamy, weightless formula designed for mistake-proof application.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
One bottle promises the nourishment of oil and the weightless finish of a serum.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 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

Pebble Index 01 is a lightweight ring with a button users can press to record on-the-go thoughts that are added to Notes on their smartphones.

— TIME Staff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Allure editors have consistently praised its fine, lightweight mist and a finish that sets within seconds.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 15 Oct. 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

Despite the luxurious textures, the diaphanous space had the air of a compartment.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
There have been diaphanous silhouettes, sculptural bodices, and romantic flourishes courtesy of Rodarte, Patrick McDowell, and Vivienne Westwood, often tempered by the slightly rebellious beauty choices that have become something of her signature.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

Pack with intention Ayoub frequently sees people underestimate the value of proper packing supplies and trying to fit too much into a flimsy container.

— Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
The rules, which are never explained, are put there as flimsy excuses for aspects of the pilot that don’t hold together otherwise.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of flimsy

Browse Nearby Words

raree-shows

rarefied

rarely

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rarefied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rarefied. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rarefied

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes