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 The film, based — rather loosely — on Homer’s epic poem, released this summer and was met with mostly comic derision and a flurry of one-star reviews. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026 On the pricing front, however, Royal Enfield might have a rather compelling argument. — New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2026 Fantastic Four’s Ioan Gruffudd had a rather unsettling run-in with a fan. — Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2026 Manns’ exhaustive studies of scientific literature on bass and his extensive two-year study have led to rather innovative and sometimes controversial conclusions. — Morris Gresham, Outdoor Life, 9 Nov. 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
  • Extra points for a beautifully aged suede shoulder bag, preferably pulled from grandma’s closet, or an oversized boho tote.
    — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 7 Nov. 2026
  • And when in doubt, plenty of layers (preferably in natural fabrics) are never a bad idea.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of preferably
Adverb
  • Of course, players will probably be able to opt out of the bloodshed and just enjoy a nice stroll among the trees instead.
    — Tom Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Houser threw a deep shot to Dixon in the end zone, but instead hit the cornerback perfectly in stride, who then celebrated with the student section in the corner of the end zone.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2026
Definition of instead
Adverb
  • Tomo plans to deliver its first customer trucks in the 2027 calendar year, which seems pretty ambitious given that the truck the company is showing now is only a prototype.
    — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 8 Nov. 2026
  • If your linen closet could use a little TLC, Brooklinen's Last Call sale is giving you a pretty good excuse to stock up, with select bedding marked down as much as 75%.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of pretty
Adverb
  • DeLillo has written his share of sturdy female characters, but never in the first person, and never so willingly.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026
  • However, there is a price to pay, and our veterans have willingly made the choice to challenge all those who would try to defeat our military, the greatest military in the world.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of willingly
Adverb
  • Tickets are relatively affordable, but are scarce at this point for the Saturday night show.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Even a relatively modest boost will quickly run up hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs for the state budget.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of relatively
Adverb
  • The plant went offline soon after being captured by Russia early in the war, but needs power to keep essential cooling systems running.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The city will soon be holding advisory meetings to develop the list of events and festivals that will occur in the next 12 months.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of soon
Adverb
  • That lack of definition extends to the sound of the record, which transforms hyperactively from track to track, echoing the sounds of many other artists without ever quite establishing a distinct profile.
    — Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
  • At lunchtime and in the evenings, its covered gravel patio with 13 tables draws a full crowd of parents with young kids and a few older folks, most of whom Donner has gotten to know quite well.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • Their efforts cannot substitute for laws that protect women from violence or for a justice system that treats them fairly.
    — Tanaz Eshaghian, Time, 10 Nov. 2026
  • With almost all votes counted, Conley led by about 6%, or a fairly modest swing of about 12% from Lawler’s 2024 reelection win.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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