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 Even at ground level this is rarefied air, let alone at 35,000 feet. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 July 2026 But the two looks that stand out the most were dresses that Roach pulled straight from the couture shows in Paris—rarefied, one-of-a-kind gowns that few people ever get to see out in the world, let alone on an A-list celebrity. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for rarefied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rarefied

Adjective

However, developing specialized buoyant materials, underwater conduits, and anti-corrosive gear come with a premium price tag.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
The buoyant 808s ping-pong back and forth, sounding like an aquatic marching band ushering in a deep-sea championship team.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

One of the spa’s Energy and Eastern offerings, Vasudhara was developed in-house by Miraval therapists and combines weightless water therapy with Thai massage stretches and bodywork.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Whereas for makeup wear, pro makeup artist Naoko Scintu, who counts Kate Hudson, Florence Pugh, and Maude Apatow as clients, says a mist can add a first layer of hydration or a weightless dewiness to your look.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of weightless

Adjective

Developers say the material could reduce the environmental impact associated with conventional floating solar structures while offering a lightweight alternative.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
The lightweight formula pairs olive, argan, jojoba, sunflower, and safflower oils with smoothing silicones to calm frizz and boost shine.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 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

The craftsmanship continues upstairs, where jamdani fabrics and wallpapers in the primary bedroom celebrate the ancient Bengal art of weaving fine diaphanous textiles, embodying the showroom’s dedication to materiality, artistry, and the human hand.

— AD PRO, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

Unlike other flimsy flip-flops, this style has arch support built into the contoured cork-latex footbed for comfort that lasts well beyond your first few strides.

— Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
Luckily for everyone involved, the barriers were the flimsy plastic kind; otherwise, this might’ve ended up being fodder for the World Bollard Association.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rarefied

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

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

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

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes