Synonyms of rather

rather

adverb

ˈra-t͟hər 

1

as in preferably

by choice or preference

I would rather go to the movies than stay at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preferably
• willingly
• soon
• either
• readily
• instead
• first
• alternatively
• alternately
• fain
• voluntarily
• optionally
• gladly
• wishfully
• desirably
• electively
• obligingly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• involuntarily
• reluctantly
• unwillingly
• forcibly
• willy-nilly

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

• instead
• first
• alternatively
• alternately
• in lieu

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

• pretty
• relatively
• quite
• fairly
• somewhat
• something
• enough
• moderately
• a little
• to a degree
• a bit
• a mite
• of sorts
• like
• slightly
• sort of
• kind of
• after a sort
• a tad
• kindly
• more or less
• a touch
• vaguely
• decently
• tolerably
• acceptably
• little
• passably
• partly
• nominally
• partially
• negligibly
• halfway
• incompletely
• partway
• half
• part

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• very
• extremely
• particularly
• highly
• especially
• heavily
• exceedingly
• terribly
• awfully
• exceptionally
• greatly
• deadly
• substantially
• significantly
• frightfully
• hugely
• considerably
• mortally
• mightily
• beastly
• extensively
• surpassingly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rather

Hassan, the senator from New Hampshire, is preoccupied not with how many candidates can do well in one state, but, rather, which candidate will do well in every state. — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

It's not governed by the executive branch but rather a 17-member Board of Regents that includes Vice President JD Vance, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, six members of Congress and nine members of the public. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Brody framed it, rather, as a move to whittle away at any last remaining shred of independence in a judicial system already firmly under control of Ortega and Murillo. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

The goal isn’t to slow down every part of the day but rather to build a few slow anchors that keep the rest from spinning out. — Allison Palmer july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026