Definition of ruralnext
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

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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 As part of his platform, Bradford emphasizes equity programs to reach rural communities, low-income households and families of color. Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2026 But the quiet and privacy of the rural property also has come at a steep price. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 His recent work has examined the impacts of drought, threats to public lands and wildlife, and the nation’s widening rural-urban divide. Kurtis Alexander, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 Apr. 2026 This satellite will provide broadband internet and communications capability for public use facilities in Indonesia’s rural regions. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
  • Sure sounds like the Tap are having a dig at pastoral English songs like the one above.
    Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The group participated in a foot-washing ritual before three clergy leaders made their way inside to administer pastoral care to those who wanted it.
    Frankie McLister, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The expansion broadens the company’s country coverage and operational capacity, reflecting a shift away from step-by-step market entry toward multi-country team building.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Signs of a shift were apparent when Iam Tongi, a young reggae talent from Hawaii, and proud Mormon, became Idol’s first non-country winner in three years.
    Zach Schonfeld, Rolling Stone, 25 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Vista Verde Ranch Clark, Colorado Vista Verde Ranch is all about rustic luxury, and guests are considered part of the family.
    Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Upon arrival at the estate, my car was buzzed through the gate guarding a rustic yet modern haven straight out of a storybook.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The South of France has long been shorthand for bucolic romance.
    Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Monteverdi is a place that invites you to embrace the slow rhythms of Tuscany, surrounded by nature in the UNESCO protected setting of the bucolic Val d’Orcia.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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