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 Residents of Orlando’s high-tech economic engine of Lake Nona have little in common with landowners in rural communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee and the citrus farmers of Indian River. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026 The percentages were even higher in some rural states, such as Wyoming (95%) and Montana (84%). Rebecca Schneid, Time, 2 May 2026 In rural communities, hospitals are at risk of closing altogether. Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026 Barriers to accessing healthcare vary based on race and ethnicity, availability of transportation, economic status, rural or urban location and insurance status. Casey Pinto, The Conversation, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
  • Cogan is joined by dreamily pastoral artist Angelica Rockne (with shades of Weyes Blood running thick) at Stardust Station on May 16.
    Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
  • In a statement posted Wednesday, Bishop Michael Barber said 12 parish sites would be closing, along with a pastoral center.
    Tim Fang, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the report, the multi-country Global Monitoring System between April 2024 and March of this year identified about 22,000 ads for 267,000 wildlife products, involving about 8,500 live animals and about 258,000 items of animal meat, parts and extracts.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
  • Court documents outline a multi-country route, flying from Vancouver to Mexico City on March 29, then traveling to Mérida before boarding another flight to Havana, Cuba, on April 1.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Book a private balcony room at the Damascus Old Mill Inn for rustic luxury.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
  • Guests enjoy high-end amenities such as heated floors, fireplaces, and private patios, alongside a signature experience that includes a complimentary Italian-style continental breakfast delivered to the door in a rustic wooden wine box.
    Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Located in the idyllic region of Ripollès, the ramparts of castle Llaés look out upon both the Pyrenees and bucolic hillsides where goats graze.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In this bucolic setting, days slip by discreetly engineered by the smart, young staff.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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