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
Tickets aren’t being sold, but rather given out to contest winners.
—
Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
In Persian culture, the owl does not suggest wisdom; rather, its presence portends catastrophe.
—Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026
The shelf space devoted to the Ice and Fire books is, perhaps unsurprisingly, rather small.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026
Elzer of Lore proposes that Americans see it not as a health expense but rather as something coming from their entertainment budget.
—Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rather
Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
In Persian culture, the owl does not suggest wisdom; rather, its presence portends catastrophe.
—Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026
The shelf space devoted to the Ice and Fire books is, perhaps unsurprisingly, rather small.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026
Elzer of Lore proposes that Americans see it not as a health expense but rather as something coming from their entertainment budget.
—Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
-
Then refrigerate at least overnight, but preferably for two or three days.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Customers are now hoping something else will take its place, preferably something affordable.—
Sara Machi,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
If black isn’t to your liking, choose cobalt blue, deep burgundy, or chocolate brown instead.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
-
John FitzGerald, who, per sources was at one time in line for Ways and Means chair, will instead continue as Public Health, Homelessness and Recovery chair.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
February 1972 was pretty important too.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The high-waist fit is super flattering, while the $42 price point is pretty unbeatable.—
Eva Thomas,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Those who willingly submit a false report may be subject to fees associated with the investigation, the law states.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Jurors briefed judge on tensions behind-the-scenes At the New York trial, Weinstein's lawyers argued that the women willingly accepted his advances in hopes of getting work in various capacities in show business, then falsely accused him to net settlement funds and attention.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Many failed to reach the relatively modest goal of staying alive.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
While fire blight can affect some species of pear trees, these plants are relatively disease-proof and have a good deal of cold tolerance.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The Senate rejected a three-year extension last month, but serious bipartisan talks are underway in hopes of finding a compromise soon, reportedly early next week.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
According to a Mercury News report from the time, the neighbor called for help, and was soon joined by another resident who described the apartment as having been ransacked.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Everything was really incorrect for the period—shiny, sparkly, overdone—but the actual shapes and silhouettes of his clothes are quite accurate.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
10 Jan. 2026
-
But the Panthers were also quite consistent in some ways.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The 40% The 2026 outlook is fairly compelling for bonds.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Typically local zoning commissions have fairly wide latitude in deciding whether large residential projects go forward.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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