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
  • 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
  • The multi-country co-production involving Rhayuela Films, El Sol Ermitaño (Colombia), Dublin Films (France), Potenza Producciones (Spain) and Camera Oscura (Canada) shot in the Colombian cities of Medellín and Santa Marta in November and December last year.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The primary suite is positioned like a retreat-within-the-retreat, facing the pool with direct outdoor access, plus a walk-in closet and a stone shower that leans into the property’s rustic-luxe vibe.
    David Caraccio May 2, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
  • To describe Middle of Nowhere with a rustic cliché, Musgraves is going back to her roots.
    Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 1 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 8 May. 2026.

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