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
Despite shares’ rather muted move, Nvidia’s report still helped spark a rally in Asian markets that sent Japan’s Nikkei 225 above 59,000 for the first time.
—
Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
In Danzy Senna’s New People, the main character would seemingly rather hide under a strange man’s bed than get into hers with her boyfriend.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Were that one to complete, the complexion of this screening could look rather different at the London TV Screenings 2027.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Low clouds are also possible early on, but skies will clear up rather quickly by the mid- to late morning.
—Anthony Franze, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rather
Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
In Danzy Senna’s New People, the main character would seemingly rather hide under a strange man’s bed than get into hers with her boyfriend.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
Were that one to complete, the complexion of this screening could look rather different at the London TV Screenings 2027.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Low clouds are also possible early on, but skies will clear up rather quickly by the mid- to late morning.
—Anthony Franze, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
-
Does the area receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, preferably in the afternoon rather than the morning?—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
25 Feb. 2026
-
As the weather warms up, consider investing in a few high-quality tees, preferably 100% cotton options that’ll wash and age best.—
India Roby,
Glamour,
24 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
But instead, the Hill-Murray lead held, giving the Pioneers – who previously won back-to-back 2A crowns in 2014 and ’15 – the program’s fourth state title.—
Frank Rajkowski,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Fueled by oil and gas exports, Russia defied Western predictions of economic collapse, instead becoming the 9th-biggest economy in the world in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund, ahead of Canada and Brazil.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The masaman curry was pretty classic — potatoes and meat bathed in a coconutty red curry.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
26 Feb. 2026
-
In what was an otherwise pretty gripping and funny first episode, Tribal Council was kind of a dud.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Torres Maldonado then willingly exited the car and was arrested.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Other clergy have willingly faced arrest for their advocacy on behalf of immigrants, seeing it as a moral calling.—
Laura E. Alexander,
The Conversation,
10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
However, the daily Wegovy doses selected for the trial — 7 milligrams and 14 milligrams — are relatively modest, and lower than the maximum 25 milligram allowable under the drug’s label as an obesity treatment.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
26 Feb. 2026
-
For those offered the one-year lifeline, that makes the decision, for as complicated as the underlying problems are, relatively simple.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Breakfast is a busy affair, but those in signature suites can eat in the lounge (soon to be renovated but with a great view) or order room service.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The strike could come as soon as Saturday or Sunday.—
Reg Chapman,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The white men who drafted and debated and approved the Fourteenth Amendment were quite aware that its impact would extend beyond Black Americans.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Feb. 2026
-
But the increase won’t be quite fast enough, which means an elevated wildfire threat will remain across the region.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Melling’s scenes all took place in the objectively less exciting muggle universe, occurring along a fairly straightforward arc from spoiled bully to remorseful young adult.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Chicken prices remained fairly stagnant in 2025, not moving more than 7 cents in either direction.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
