1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rare
Acts of mass violence are rare in Britain.
—
Peter Wilkinson, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the condition is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the skeletal muscles, including weakness and stiffness, abnormal bone development and joints that become fixed in bent or extended positions.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
DeLauter is that rare rookie to already have the respect of the veterans.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The rare film these days to shoot in Califonia, the film will do so this fall with a $10M tax credit, as previously reported.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Peter Wilkinson, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the condition is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the skeletal muscles, including weakness and stiffness, abnormal bone development and joints that become fixed in bent or extended positions.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
DeLauter is that rare rookie to already have the respect of the veterans.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The rare film these days to shoot in Califonia, the film will do so this fall with a $10M tax credit, as previously reported.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
-
This is not particularly unusual, and in a traditional 4-2-3-1 system, forcing a team down one side is effective.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The lawsuit is the first to challenge the administration's unusual use of partisan messaging in government communications during the shutdown, which legal experts told NPR may violate federal ethics laws.—
Shannon Bond,
NPR,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Matières Fécales made some exquisite pieces, despite their challenging name.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The looming Brewers-Dodgers matchup would be exquisite.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Front man Coleman cuts a tall, brooding figure, saving his emotions for his vocal delivery and occasional pronouncements on the importance of faith.—
Brian McCollum,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Sticky snow covered the branches, along with occasional yellow dots of llao llao, an edible fungus native to the region.—
Scott Yorko,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
During this process, scientists look at the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, testing it first in small groups to assess safety, then in larger groups to confirm protection and detect uncommon side effects.—
David Higgins,
The Conversation,
7 Oct. 2025
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Side effects are uncommon in healthy people and may include symptoms like gas and bloating.—
Kirstyn Hill,
Health,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As a result, Ecuador has avoided the extraordinary inflation that has afflicted so many nations in South America, including Argentina.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Created in her honor, this rose symbolizes her lifelong mission to protect people, animals, and the environment, offering gardeners a living reminder of her extraordinary impact and enduring message of hope.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Crafted in gold-toned bronze, its coloring is understated and elegant, allowing the designer to work with a more experimental shape.—
Rachel Gallaher,
Robb Report,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The Clunie Dining Room For a more elegant affair, there’s The Clunie Dining Room at The Fife Arms.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Jonathan was so funny and quick-witted for such a young kid.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Having this really intense action scene, and then all of a sudden a joke, a funny moment.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Rivian produces adventure-ready electric vehicles with high power outputs and exceptional ground clearance.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
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This dual-purpose design requires exceptional stiffness, vibration control, and precision engineering, allowing heavy highway loads and high-speed rail traffic to share the same structure safely.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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