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

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 Dawn Vogel, a Republican county supervisor in rural Iowa, doesn’t have a lot in common with the leading democratic socialists in Congress. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026 Their governors association has spent $5 million to back Rob Sand, who has gained national attention for his campaign to connect with rural voters who have abandoned Democrats in recent elections. Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 By sometime around 1985, Rita leads what looks to most onlookers, including the very worried daughters who’ve come to find her, like a terrible life — estranged from her friends and family, firmly under Ricki’s thumb in some remote rural commune. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026 The realities of rural life occasionally materialize in the margins of Guillermina and Belinda’s young lives. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
  • South of the city center, Parque Natural de la Albufera offers a pastoral escape where rice paddies ring a freshwater lagoon.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Global events have brought together hundreds of representatives from communities whose lives and livelihoods are built on pastoral or nomadic herding traditions.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Original barn torn down The original barn was torn down and replaced with a rustic white structure with high ceilings, natural wood beams and enough space to accommodate around 200 guests.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The stone cabins and canteen made of rounded river rocks showcase the rustic, homey appeal of the campground, whose outward appearance had changed little since 1922, according to the NPS.
    Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • So was avoiding the easy version of a Connecticut show, one dominated by recent Yale MFAs or famous artists with country houses up north in the bucolic Litchfield hills.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This is the ultimate bucolic New England getaway for families, couples, and groups of friends.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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