rent 1 of 2

Definition of rentnext
1
as in tear
a long deep cut getting her skirt caught on a nail resulted in a four-inch rent that she couldn't possibly repair

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

rent

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to lease
to give the possession and use of (something) in return for periodic payment we rented the apartment to a college student for $500 a month

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to hire
to take or get the temporary use of (something) for a set sum will need to rent a car while we're in Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rent different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of rent are charter, hire, lease, and let. While all these words mean "to engage or grant for use at a price," rent stresses the payment of money for the full use of property and may imply either hiring or letting.

instead of buying a house, they decided to rent
will not rent to families with children

Where would charter be a reasonable alternative to rent?

The words charter and rent can be used in similar contexts, but charter applies to the hiring or letting of a vehicle usually for exclusive use.

charter a bus to go to the game

How are the words hire and let related as synonyms of rent?

Both hire and let, strictly speaking, are complementary terms, hire implying the act of engaging or taking for use and let the granting of use.

we hired a car for the summer
decided to let the cottage to a young couple

When would lease be a good substitute for rent?

The meanings of lease and rent largely overlap; however, lease strictly implies a letting under the terms of a contract but is often applied to hiring on a lease.

the diplomat leased an apartment for a year

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 rent
Noun
Those protests, ‌along with parliament’s rejection last month of government decrees aimed at curbing evictions and limiting rent pressures, prompted ​Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call an election for November 29. — Reuters, NBC news, 11 Nov. 2026 According to MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate’s most recent Baltimore metro market report, city retail properties face elevated vacancy, negative absorption and relatively low rents, signaling challenges in some urban retail locations. — Courtney Bell, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
The story focuses on Anne Elliot, whose family moves to Bath to reduce their debt by renting their estate to an admiral and his wife. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Nov. 2026 But now the mistress had rented the place and would be living there. — Yasushi Inoue, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rent
Noun
  • Doncic has been on a scoring tear for the Lakers, his play at such a high level that even coach JJ Redick has marveled at the guard’s achievements.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • These liners stay flat, unlike thinner mats that curl and tear under the high temps.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • That pricing gap reinforces PSA's lead and gives its decisions about fees and submission services considerable influence over the resale market.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The revenue generated by higher parking fees was a key factor in closing a $66 million budget gap this fiscal year.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • If the owner refuses to stop short-term leasing the unit after facing fines, the association may file a declaratory lawsuit seeking a court order to cease violations of the governing documents.
    — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The new owner continued leasing the land under the park to Great America, with the term ending in mid-2028 and an option to extend through mid-2033.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • When the decision to hire Schottenheimer was made, anything that happened afterward immediately fell on the Joneses up top.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Being on a massive TV set is an intimidating enough position to find yourself in, let alone playing a character who would quickly become an antagonist to the powerful people who’ve hired her.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Slight slits created tension at the cuffs of the full-length dress’ long sleeves.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Victoria’s Secret Angel’s body makeup blended seamlessly with her strapless gown, which had a thigh-high slit and matching detached sleeves.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Midway through the third quarter, Riley burst through a wide-open hole and beat the Rams’ final defensive back for speed to race down the sideline for a 31-yard touchdown and his third of the night.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
  • This month, a series of explosions will blow holes in the former SS United States, sinking it some 25 miles off the Florida panhandle to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There was also the abstract wooden sculpture-slash-painting of … a butt.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This week, the Cheesecake Factory and dictator chic made surprising appearances in our group chats, thanks to a political sideshow-slash-culture-battle kicked off by a joke made by former president Barack Obama.
    — Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Drinkwitz got at it in his opening statement by broaching it before it even could be asked.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Novak put the Penguins ahead less than two minutes after the opening faceoff after controlling a rebound in front.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rent. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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