Synonyms of rare

rare

adjective

ˈrer 

1

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary

even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unique
• uncommon
• abnormal
• odd
• remarkable
• outstanding
• singular
• exceeding
• incredible
• atypical
• anomalous
• phenomenal
• peculiar
• noticeable
• aberrant
• striking
• unwonted
• especial
• notable
• freak
• prominent
• uncustomary
• conspicuous
• preternatural
• salient
• aberrated
• strange
• bizarre
• extraordinaire
• eccentric
• weird
• deviant
• inconceivable
• quaint
• oddball
• unthinkable
• unimaginable
• outlandish
• freakish
• incomprehensible
• monstrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• normal
• ordinary
• typical
• usual
• customary
• frequent
• unexceptional
• unextraordinary
• familiar
• everyday

2

as in exquisite

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste

rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exquisite
• elegant
• fine
• special
• select
• exceptional
• excellent
• exclusive
• delicate
• wonderful
• outstanding
• choice
• dainty
• great
• premium
• classic
• recherché
• superb
• fancy
• better
• fabulous
• marvellous
• terrific
• high-grade
• marvelous
• splendid
• sensational
• prime
• superlative
• stellar
• elite
• first-class
• sterling
• noble
• first-rate
• superior
• transcendent
• jewellike
• bijou
• unsurpassed
• par excellence
• top
• top-notch
• grand
• ultrarare
• tip-top
• supernal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gross
• rough
• coarse
• popular
• commercial
• common
• vulgar
• unpolished
• tasteless
• ordinary
• unrefined
• kitschy
• uncultivated
• uncultured
• raffish
• lesser
• average
• lowbrow
• rough-hewn
• kitsch
• mediocre
• unacceptable
• second-class
• unsatisfactory
• deficient
• inferior
• second-rate
• low-grade
• substandard
• mass-produced
• wanting
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• run-of-mine

3

as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated

the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occasional
• odd
• infrequent
• unusual
• isolated
• uncommon
• sporadic
• scarce
• few and far between
• unique
• scattered
• intermittent
• discontinuous
• irregular
• erratic
• fitful
• spasmodic
• spotty
• unsteady
• choppy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• frequent
• regular
• common
• daily
• ordinary
• routine

4

as in uncommon

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced

"Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line

Synonyms & Similar Words

• uncommon
• unusual
• funny
• strange
• weird
• extraordinary
• unique
• curious
• odd
• peculiar
• special
• bizarre
• out-of-the-way
• singular
• offbeat
• unaccustomed
• remarkable
• uncustomary
• abnormal
• eccentric
• exceptional
• noticeable
• queer
• atypical
• noteworthy
• oddball
• outlandish
• notable
• outré
• particular
• aberrant
• newsworthy
• far-out
• way-out
• kookie
• kooky
• irregular

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• ordinary
• usual
• plain
• normal
• typical
• regular
• unexceptional
• familiar
• predictable
• expected

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rare different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and exquisite. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

In what contexts can choice take the place of rare?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When is it sensible to use dainty instead of rare?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When could delicate be used to replace rare?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When can elegant be used instead of rare?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When might exquisite be a better fit than rare?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rare

With the promotion, Pandolfo — who was raised in Chicago and worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers after graduating from St. Norbert College in Wisconsin — will become the rare sports exec to have experience working with teams from the MLB, NFL, MLS, NHL and NBA. —Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025

At Celgene, the brash increases triggered rare internal dissent. —David Armstrong, ProPublica, 8 May 2025

Diana Ross posed in rare photos with her entire family celebrating her recent tribute to her five kids and eight grandchildren. —Charna Flam, People.com, 8 May 2025

Ava has severe cognitive impairment and a rare form of epilepsy. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025