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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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 Marie, a rural outpost that for thousands of years has been a gathering place and trading hub for Indigenous communities. — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2026 But fact-checkers and health analysts have been clear that this temporary infusion of funds, spread out over five years, doesn’t offset the $137 billion in permanent cuts projected to hit rural areas over the same decade. — Rachel Cohen Booth, Vox, 30 Oct. 2026 The 10-episode series (critics screened seven episodes for review) begins at Riverside Psychiatric Hospital in rural Pennsylvania. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026 Local residents of the rural region, however, are pushing back. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural

Adjective

Just a few days ago, the son of 2016 Derby winner Nyquist roamed freely around the fields of nearby Gainesway Farm, a 1,500-acre pastoral equine playground whose history predates US independence.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
There were pastoral hills and forests, but the Kodachrome green leaves and blue skies had yellowed with time.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

Early last year, Russia released American school teacher Marc Fogel, and in 2024 journalist Evan Gershkovich and Marine veteran Paul Whelan were among those released from Russian custody in a complicated multi-country prisoner swap.

— Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
But also multi-country emigration tales, as in Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of country

Adjective

With a rustic aesthetic, the cottage is charming and artsy, with antique finds from the owners' travels around the world.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
The log-style cabin offers a more rustic counterpoint to the main home’s contemporary design.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of rustic

Adjective

The Blue Ribbon Suite, on a corner, offers expansive views of the bucolic Virginia landscape and a stone terrace—the perfect perch for a glass of local wine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
Step inside, though, and you’re transported to a bucolic Britain of rolling hills and village greens, bumbling eccentrics and cute, clever farm animals.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026