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
-
Or, perhaps preferably, turn away from watermarks and towards tactics that can positively prove an image’s authenticity, such as content credentials.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Extra Tips For Best Results To get the most out of using vinegar in your laundry, here are a few extra tips to make sure your clothes come out soft and fresh every time: Always dilute your vinegar with water, preferably a 1:1 ratio, to prevent unexpected damage.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Bannon suggested that Trump appoint a MAGA Republican to fill the role instead.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
-
What happens instead is, to reference Fritz’s former moniker, Corndawgian in its playful absurdity.—
Jonathan Bernstein,
Rolling Stone,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Temperatures and humidity will begin to increase on Thursday, reaching the upper 80s which is pretty typical for mid-August in the metro.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Corn on the cob is pretty much required for a cookout, and eating is already going to get a bit messy when ribs are also on the menu.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Ether has been trading within a relatively modest range recently, fluctuating between $3,300 and $3,800 in August following a big month where notable government developments helped boost regulatory clarity for the crypto space.—
Charles Lloyd Bovaird II,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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However, using a relatively small 93 kWh battery does inevitably reduce the Evija’s range.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
6 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
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These are the questions that White, who has already faced criticism for allegedly underpaying athletes, will have to answer soon.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Tanner, who is quite religious, was doing the latter.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Most of the utensils were pretty cheap, quite worn, and really should have been tossed a long time ago—including my black plastic spatula.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
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
-
And high temperatures will be fairly pleasant, in the high 70s to low 80s range.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots used the pick in somewhat surprising fashion, taking a running back with the 38th overall selection.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Aug. 2025
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Calling Weapons’ ending a victory is perhaps somewhat generous, what with the matter of all the dead people left to account for, even Gladys.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
9 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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