RAREFIED Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

rarefied

adjective

Definition of rarefied

as in buoyant

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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

Her portrayal is buoyant and curious, both attuned to and alienated from Mi-ok’s hopes and desires, whether emotional or erotic or material.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

Allure Best of Beauty winner—feels practically weightless on skin, absorbing quickly without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026
The result is weightless all-day volume that mimics that of hair on the much thicker side, and hairstylist Becca Kraeger swears by it for adding fullness and bounce to natural curls without weighing them down.

— Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 20 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

The lightweight portable wand can be used for 12 minutes at a time to stimulate collagen production, decrease inflammation, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles—all while boosting skin’s radiance.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Sometimes called drawcord sneakers, the style has been a staple for trail runners and lightweight hiking shoes for years.

— Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 29 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

Meunier, who keeps a replica of the mask in his apartment, translated his fascination with her into a hauntingly romantic collection of diaphanous, nightdress-like gowns, fluid tailoring, and trailing silhouettes.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Despite the luxurious textures, the diaphanous space had the air of a compartment.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

No governing body certifies apps as vibe-coded or not, so the functional distinction between something like PhotoCraft and Photopea is ultimately somewhat flimsy.

— Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026
Into this vacuum stepped an array of noble sons and daughters with even the flimsiest claim to the throne.

— Eva Wolchover, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of flimsy

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“Rarefied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rarefied. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of rarefied

adjective

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