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 Competing at his sixth and potentially final World Cup, Messi had delivered his usual rarefied excellence throughout the tournament — even at an age in which most soccer greats are well into retirement. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026 But the point of a classical education isn’t to develop a rarefied skill. — Elias Wachtel, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 A bit more than halfway to the runup to the July 17 final, this year’s World Cup is already reaching the rarefied air of something beyond even the NBA Finals or the World Series. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 July 2026 What began as a joke about turning the once-awkward sidekick into a digital-age Dick Cavett has since become one of the internet’s more rarefied interview rooms, drawing comedians, rappers, and politicians into Friedland’s orbit. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rarefied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rarefied

Adjective

Sperm whales take their naps by first diving down a bit before the buoyant head turns toward the surface; by sinking tail-first to a depth of roughly 8 meters; or by slowly ascending to the surface after a deep dive (over 200 meters).

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Dough should be very smooth and slightly tacky with a soft, buoyant texture.

— Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

It’s formulated to add weightless moisture and shine while taming flyaways and frizz.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
John, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, has spent the past five years working on a class of models called weightless neural networks.

— Jackie Snow, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026

Definition of weightless

Adjective

That includes the lightweight main event between Mateusz Gamrot and the fast-rising Quillan Salkilld.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
The antenna is extremely lightweight, and the team miniaturized it to be both the right size and shape to fit the tiny helicopters, which sit just 6 inches (15 centimeters) above the ground at rest.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 Aug. 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

Led by a team at Keio University in Tokyo, with collaborators including the MIT Media Lab, the team designed the lighter-than-air prototype to feel approachable, safe, and comfortable around people.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Its elastic Nap smocking and lighter-than-air fabric stay comfortable all the while — even when commuting in 90-degree weather.

— Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of lighter-than-air

Adjective

Kaia Gerber left little to the imagination in a diaphanous black dress at the London premiere of The Shards.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 30 July 2026
Those who lean bohemian may like a diaphanous nightie from Dôen or Chloé, paired with cage sandals and oversized shades.

— Christina Holevas, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

Their flimsy frame is made of a strip of beige plastic, with the display covering only one eye.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026
Breezy without feeling flimsy, this short-sleeve button-down and straight-leg pant duo keeps things light and comfy throughout the day.

— Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of flimsy

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rarefied

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“Rarefied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rarefied. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rarefied

adjective

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