RURAL Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

rural

adjective

ˈru̇r(-ə)l

Definition of rural

as in pastoral

of, relating to, associated with, or typical of open areas with few buildings or people grew up in a rural community where more than half the people were farmers a painter noted for his rural landscapes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rural On her 43 acres of woods and reclaimed native prairie in rural Tazewell County, Katie VandenBerg walked the edge of her property, inspecting a line of oaks bordered by miles of corn and soybean fields. — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 The prevailing idea is that summer break is a holdover from days when children were needed to help out on farms in rural communities. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026 Forecasters warn Lala could dump up to 25 inches of rain on steep terrain, driving life-threatening flooding, mudslides, storm surge and dangerous surf that imperil rural residents and key agricultural areas. — Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 With the ground already saturated, the National Weather Service warned that flash flooding remains possible, particularly near small creeks and streams, as well as on rural roads and low-lying intersections. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural

Adjective

This 1920s hooked rug serves as a piece of American folk art and its pastoral nursery rhyme scene lends the right amount of charm.

— Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Although the film is about a specific Somali pastoral community, the emotions and questions at its center are universal.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

But also multi-country emigration tales, as in Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Previous World Cups were concentrated within one nation, but this year supporters often crossed international borders, making the multi-country experience part of the tournament's appeal.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of country

Adjective

View gallery - 7 images This timber retreat is small on home comforts but big on simple rustic charm.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026
The three-bedroom main house adopts a farmhouse-chic aesthetic, with barnwood siding and reclaimed bridge timbers adding a rustic touch to the steel doors and windows.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2026