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
His goal was never a quick ceasefire but rather the gradual normalization of Russian territorial conquest through the legitimizing embrace of American diplomacy.
—
Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
The whole thing suddenly felt rather seedy, preparing to meet a stranger in a foreign hotel room to receive a large amount of cash.
—Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025
Carl Anka So much about this side is debatable except in midfield and, rather perversely, up front, where even a wantaway Alexander Isak seems the best option in the medium term (if not perhaps before the window closes).
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Brawner was issued $85,000 and $50,000 fines, paying back $130,000.
Of those funds, $117,000 served as restitution and went back to the food bank, or rather the new food bank, Feed Sumner.
—Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
The whole thing suddenly felt rather seedy, preparing to meet a stranger in a foreign hotel room to receive a large amount of cash.
—Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025
Carl Anka So much about this side is debatable except in midfield and, rather perversely, up front, where even a wantaway Alexander Isak seems the best option in the medium term (if not perhaps before the window closes).
—James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Brawner was issued $85,000 and $50,000 fines, paying back $130,000.
Of those funds, $117,000 served as restitution and went back to the food bank, or rather the new food bank, Feed Sumner.
—Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
-
Use a mild, non-antibacterial, and preferably biodegradable dish soap.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Ingredients: • 1 vanilla bean, preferably Tahitian • 3 cups heavy cream • 1 cup milk • 3/4 cup sugar • Dash salt • 4 egg yolks • 1 tablespoon Tahitian vanilla extract Method: 1.—
Judy Bart Kancigor,
Oc Register,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
As employees are expected to return to the office, many decide to leave the company instead.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
-
They instead are legally required to document the specific facts establishing that believe, while also articulating the facts that leave them to believe that an individual inside a vehicle is in the country illegally.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
The tornado later was determined to be at least an EF-3, pretty strong, a killer.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
There has been pretty much zero coordination with the local government on this.—
Michel Martin,
NPR,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Cleaning your dryer vent is a relatively simple process.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Originally included in Windows 3.0 in 1990, developers hoped Solitaire would help beginner computer users get familiar with the functionality of a mouse – a relatively new tool for people at the time.—
Ariana Torrey,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
According to reports from China, CATL failed to extend a mining permit which expired last week, sparking speculation that a massive surplus of lithium overhanging the market could soon start to fall with a future shortage and higher prices possible.—
Tim Treadgold,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Crystal Palace, Buck Owens‘ iconic music venue in Bakersfield, Calif., will soon permanently close its doors after nearly three decades in operation.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Tanner, who is quite religious, was doing the latter.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
YouTube What To Know On Wednesday, Swift quite literally broke the internet when her New Heights interview was released.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
And high temperatures will be fairly pleasant, in the high 70s to low 80s range.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Those who violate the law should answer for it, but those who are charged with enforcing the law have the moral responsibility to do so humanely, fairly and justly.—
David Kay,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Powell is also expected to announce a reversal of a 5-year-old policy shift that could keep interest rates somewhat higher over the long term.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
23 Aug. 2025
-
The price increase also comes amid expectations that Apple will not renew its Friday Night Baseball partnership with Major League Baseball, making the timing here somewhat curious.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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