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

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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 The white vehicle carrying Choi, according to Draycott, pulled up at a house in a rural area of Hong Kong, close to the border with mainland China. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 Both have pledged to preserve the area’s rural character while taking different approaches to growth and county government. — Haley Parsley october 2, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026 But the rural district kept losing teachers to higher-paying districts closer to Des Moines, Iowa’s largest city, about 20 minutes away. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 Amber Nielsen, senior manager with municipal advisor Baker Tilly, which is assisting Porter County, among others, said Porter County, unlike some rural counties, is in a good position. — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural

Adjective

In that, the vinyl panel turns the 18th-century style on its head, becoming a subversive counterweight to its typically placid, pastoral energy.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Wafula said the role of pastoral ministers is especially important in the modern world, where political frictions often threaten peace in the community.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 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

While there is an on-site restaurant, bar, meeting house, freshwater pool, and gift shop, the grounds themselves are rustic, palm tree-lined, and a refuge for thousands of adorable, unobtrusive hermit crabs.

— Joey Skladany, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
The sun set on a perfect fall evening in New York City as emerging writers, directors and producers mingled with industry giants in a rustic Greenwich Village penthouse.

— Karla Cote, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of rustic

Adjective

This car-less experience contributes to the bucolic experience of the environs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
With few neighbors to speak of, save for a few sheep or cows in nearby fields, there’ll be no arguing over bedrooms—the views from each and every one are bucolic.

— Katie Silcox, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of bucolic

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“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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adjective

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