1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rare
This week on the music charts in the United Kingdom, Taylor Swift sees a dozen of her albums appear, which is a rare sight for any name.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
However, experts stress that appendix cancer is still exceedingly rare, so the risk of developing this disease is low.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 13 June 2025
Related Articles But the people who really get both the dollars and fashion sense of the industry are rare.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
But most of the trip was dominated by a drift that was languid, meditative, sharpening the pixels of the present tense in a way that is increasingly rare in our pixelated age.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
However, experts stress that appendix cancer is still exceedingly rare, so the risk of developing this disease is low.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 13 June 2025
Related Articles But the people who really get both the dollars and fashion sense of the industry are rare.
—Evan Clark, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
But most of the trip was dominated by a drift that was languid, meditative, sharpening the pixels of the present tense in a way that is increasingly rare in our pixelated age.
—David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
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That can mean anything from unusual cuts to stones acquired for imperfection rather than perfection such as the 27.83-carat Paraíba tourmaline with an interesting pattern of inclusions on the Chain Drop necklace.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
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Three corners of the brownie remained in tact, but the missing chunk from the center has left the brownie looking pretty unusual, sparking plenty of amused comments from viewers.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
This corner of the hotel transported me to an exquisite European hotel; the display bottles were Chinotto, Bitter Bianco, Sicilian Amara, and other spirits.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
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Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
The key is consistency – creating regular opportunities to develop listening muscles through practice rather than relegating Deep Listening to occasional workshops or retreats.—
Marybeth Gasman,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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Because geniuses tend not to specialize in things like picking up after themselves, the human price is often paid by a long-suffering partner-secretary—wifely figures like Véra Nabokov, Sophia Tolstoy, and Alice B. Toklas, or the occasional husband like Leonard Woolf.—
S. C. Cornell,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Every great American story is sentimental in the same way: instincts born out of struggle, the triumph of the schoolyard over the classroom, uncommon creativity driven by necessity.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
23 June 2025
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That’s not an uncommon sight for K-pop superstars, as their massive followings understand how the charts work and focus their energy on pushing a title as high as possible in its first frame.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.—
Ray Long,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2025
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This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
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Refined, elegant food, intelligent service, and a warm living-room-like ambiance make this one of Rome’s top upscale restaurants.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Grace Karin Floral Maxi Sundress, $48 with Prime $60 $48 at Amazon This floral maxi sundress creates an elegant A-line silhouette that shoppers say looks beautiful on a wide range of figures and heights.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
McGrath's older brother and two of her younger sisters described her as funny, sarcastic, full of life and so caring that the homeless in her neighborhood greeted her by name.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
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There’s definitely something funny going on with the Universe.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Danny Boyle is a director known for his exceptional use of music to score key — and now iconic — scenes in his films.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
25 June 2025
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This year’s lineup showcases an exceptional slate of films representing both the Hudson region and international perspectives, reflecting the festival’s belief in the unifying power of cinema.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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