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 There's a rather unpopular RTX 5060 Ti that has just 8GB of VRAM, and though it's priced similarly to the RTX 3060 and much, much faster, there is an argument to be made that the 3060 could have greater longevity with some games. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026 The coalition of tech firms did not mention China or Moonshot in the letter, but rather appealed to the need to bolster and maintain US competitiveness in AI. — Michael Shepard, Fortune, 24 July 2026 Moss is the somewhat unusual type of man who’d rather make an interesting dollar than an easy one. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026 Packed trains aren't unusual in London, but an early-morning express to a small town going out of the capital rather than in rather goes against the trend. — David Szondy july 23, New Atlas, 23 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
  • But, instead, the agency is going after people exercising their constitutional rights to criticize a public agency, according to Shadix.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • The thick mats cover up the rocky streambed where invertebrates like mayfly nymphs like to live, and instead creates habitats for smaller insects, chironomids and worms.
    — Hannah Smith July 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 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
  • 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
  • And those are just two stories of many, says Franzen, who has issued trespassing orders to guests who will not leave willingly.
    — Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Definition of willingly
Adverb
  • In what was a relatively uncharacteristic ending for this Spain team – perhaps seeing the finish line so close – the squad allowed Argentina a few last chances, two of which couldn’t have been closer in the final eight minutes or so of the match.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Scripps researchers looked at the possibility of using this geoengineering over a shorter term in a relatively regional application that shortens the timeline and reduces the bureaucratic complexity of implementing it.
    — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 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
  • There are few travel wins quite as satisfying as booking a flight for less than dinner out—and Frontier has built a loyal following around exactly that.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
  • Standing on opposite sides of the protests, the pair fall for each other despite the divide, recognizing in one another a restlessness neither can quite name.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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