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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rare
Osprey is offering a rare deal on a travel backpack that’ll hold all of your in-flight essentials.
—
Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
This rare, hands-on recording museum highlights the sonic legacy of guitar god Les Paul.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, passed with unanimous consent – a rare occurrence for substantive legislation.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Sensor stabilization, which is frequently included in mirrorless cameras but rare in DSLRs, is a useful feature for handheld recording.
—PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
This rare, hands-on recording museum highlights the sonic legacy of guitar god Les Paul.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, passed with unanimous consent – a rare occurrence for substantive legislation.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 May 2025
Sensor stabilization, which is frequently included in mirrorless cameras but rare in DSLRs, is a useful feature for handheld recording.
—PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
-
But the boys also casually tell stories about the deprivations of their previous life, a reminder of how unusual their childhoods have been by American standards.—
Sacha Pfeiffer,
NPR,
27 May 2025
-
While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
The play’s cast is excellent, particularly the exquisite, charismatic and very funny Mahira Kakkar as Ananya.—
Pamela Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
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The tea rose first became available for purchase in 2025, and it’s been hard for gardeners to get their hands on; this exquisite bloom remains in high demand.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Others that have a small selling history and only a handful of items for sale at a time tend to be occasional sellers and wardrobe clearers.—
Benjamin Voyer,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
The audience is present in a politely distant but receptive way with shots from the back of their heads and an occasional darkened full-theater shot.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Then again, this drought is uncommon for the 22-year-old center fielder.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 May 2025
-
At the time, the method was uncommon in Texas, according to Michelle Johnson, project manager of the William J. Hill Texas Artisans and Artists Archive at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.—
Jacoba Urist,
Smithsonian Magazine,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
The show will feature a wide range of extraordinary cars, trucks, and vehicles along with live music.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
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The film chronicles the extraordinary story of a group of inmates who defied the odds to create a timeless piece of art.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
Along the historic waterway system which dates from the 12th century, there are a series of patrician residences, pleasure villas, and elegant rural farmhouses that still stand, along with what remains of their parks and gardens, side-by-side with more recent houses.—
Elena Dallorso,
Architectural Digest,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
That’s not to say the film isn’t funny or sweet, but that there is something much more profound and uncomfortable at its heart, and one that poses a tricky challenge for first-time filmmakers Johansson and Kamen.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
20 May 2025
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His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut.—
Lily Meyer,
The Dial,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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The companies that invest in neurodiversity today are unlocking game-changing innovation, future-proofing their organizations and setting a new standard for what an exceptional workplace looks like.—
Ben Semmes,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
The engine of Czech youngster Mathias Vacek has been exceptional — almost single-handedly gifting Pedersen the win on stage five by bridging several gaps before performing a perfect leadout.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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