rather

adverb

ˈra-t͟hər How to pronounce rather (audio)
Definition of rathernext
1
as in preferably
by choice or preference I would rather go to the movies than stay at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in instead
as a substitute don't think of the placement test as torture but rather as a chance to show off how much you know

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pretty
to some degree or extent I say, don't you think that's rather expensive for a hamburger?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rather Triumph, in particular, has become rather good at building motorcycles that already look and feel as though someone's spent years obsessing over every last detail. — New Atlas, 30 July 2026 This is yet another movie that aims rather clumsily for shock value by dwelling on consumption and meat, like many a grisly eating-disorder horror opus of late. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 30 July 2026 The Marvel Cinematic Universe, in recent years, has been rather messy — to say the least. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026 Nike, though, ended up not being responsible for the rather outspoken (and unexpected) outfit choice. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
  1. preferably
  2. instead
  3. pretty
  4. willingly
  5. relatively
  6. soon
  7. quite
  8. fairly
Adverb
  • Complete your ensemble with a matching pair of loafers, preferably in barely-there mesh—easy-breezy, minimalist chic, just like that.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 20 July 2026
  • Pitch a No-Hitter (preferably Roupp, McDonald or Whisenhunt).
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of preferably
Adverb
  • Organizations are failing to equip managers with crucial strategic and relational skills, instead focusing on technical AI training for tasks AI will soon automate.
    — Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The suspect then allegedly attempted to steal the homeowner's vehicle but instead took his bicycle and fled.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of instead
Adverb
  • Kyril is a hands-on, pretty inspirational owner who has a really clear vision for where this football club is going.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • As far as summer jobs go, helping to maintain the Oakland Cemetery is a pretty cool one, even in this heat.
    — Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of pretty
Adverb
  • And when people willingly share those moments with the world, their influence extends far beyond what any traditional campaign could achieve.
    — Shelley E. Kohan, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The evidence presented during the trial, Gifford’s family said in the statement, showed that Gifford did not willingly go off with Sochor and his brother Gary Sochor that night.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of willingly
Adverb
  • While rupee has remained under pressure this year and is not an AI play, Goldman said that recent measures by the Reserve Bank of India to attract foreign capital and relatively lower oil prices, should help support the currency.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • Despite a relatively long history of drive-through bans, the idea is still novel and perplexing to Californians who love their burgers and love their cars.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of relatively
Adverb
  • Munster, who has extensively researched Ebola, was locked out of his lab soon after the January detention.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • The organization has also installed four emergency clinic modules for local healthcare facilities, with a fifth expected to open soon.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of soon
Adverb
  • Maybe that’s why replacing all my skinny jeans with wide-leg styles never quite solved my own denim dilemma.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Glamour, 31 July 2026
  • His film is likable as heck but never quite achieves liftoff.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • Indeed, the Vienna rode quite well thanks to its larger wheels, fairly wide tires, and neutral geometry.
    — William Roberson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • This process is intended to give you the opportunity to provide further information so that your circumstances can be reviewed fully and fairly.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of fairly

Browse Nearby Words

rat finks
rather
ratification
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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