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
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Recent Examples of rather
Suffice it to say that between New York Fashion Week, an interview, and unveiling the new video, Slayyyter is having a rather busy day.
—
Liam Hess, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
For a daily driver, the third-generation Leaf is rather compelling, especially the S+, although the lack of heated front seats in that model might be too much of a deal-breaker, considering how important seat heaters are to EV efficiency in winter.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs have the privilege of replaying it rather quickly, and on their turf.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
Yeah, that’s a rather obscure one.
—Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
Liam Hess, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
For a daily driver, the third-generation Leaf is rather compelling, especially the S+, although the lack of heated front seats in that model might be too much of a deal-breaker, considering how important seat heaters are to EV efficiency in winter.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
The Chiefs have the privilege of replaying it rather quickly, and on their turf.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
Yeah, that’s a rather obscure one.
—Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
-
How To See The Chi Cygnids Meteor Shower The best way to see any meteor shower is to go stargazing for a few hours, preferably on a dark, moonless night sky away from light pollution (consult a light pollution map or travel to a Dark Sky Place).—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Petro has scaled back efforts to target drug supply, instead trying to solve the issue through social programs.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Skip the sheep-counting and cup of chamomile, and luxuriate in the sleep-inducing blend of calming lavender oil, soothing balsam resin, moisturizing sweet almond oil, and relaxing magnesium salt flakes instead.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
Best Amazon Home Deals There are so many great finds in the general home category, like this pretty faux bouquet that’s perfect for fall and this dimmable candle warmer that features a timer.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Sep. 2025
-
And there will be a pretty sweet view along with the Tuscan-style cuisine, too, with waterfront vistas stretching across the Bay from the full weatherized and heated patio.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
By enjoying the exciting spectacle, their fans have willingly become mindless followers—idol worshippers who are too misguided, and naive, to see they’re being led toward their own destruction.—
Yvonne Kim,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Von Ferdinand’s attorneys have argued Jett willingly transferred her money and properties to Von Ferdinand.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
While the entertainment industry has changed significantly in the last decade in terms of how people find and watch content, including sports, Espinoza said that boxing is undergoing a parallel transition that has made other sports seem relatively stable by comparison.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
But White Bear Lake’s defensive front held up relatively well for much of the night from there, keeping the Bears in the game.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
While the container comes with a month's worth of capsules, many reviewers noticed results way sooner.—
Gabriela Izquierdo,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Hannan, as a member of the Conservative Party, is not planning to defect any time soon.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
In short, The Paper doesn’t quite escape the shadow of its big brother, but that’s just fine with us.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
But then Belly scraps her Parisian plans and pledges her young life to Jeremiah, a rising super senior at Finch majoring in getting high and going to Cabo (which, quite honestly, is more age-appropriate than a wedding).—
Vogue,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
After a fairly quiet opener in Chicago that included a key 2-point conversion reception, Thielen will get to revel in the home crowd.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Boston’s ongoing inability to capitalize on such opportunities ensured fairly uneventful outcomes, though.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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