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
Relevance
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
Yolo County authorities announced Saturday the discovery of seven bodies at the site of Tuesday’s deadly fireworks explosion in rural Yolo County, matching the number of individuals reported missing in the blast.
—
Michael McGough 5, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
The fire was burning in rural San Luis Obispo County on Sunday, with smoke spreading over Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, according to the National Weather Service.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Those decisions included rejections of conservative challenges to Obamacare and to a federal subsidy program for internet and phone services for poor and rural communities that is funded by user fees.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 5 July 2025
Drake and a colleague launched an IPS pilot in New Hampshire in the early 1990s, and then followed with pilots in a mix of rural and urban areas, including in inner city Washington DC.
—Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rural
Michael McGough 5, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
The fire was burning in rural San Luis Obispo County on Sunday, with smoke spreading over Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, according to the National Weather Service.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
Those decisions included rejections of conservative challenges to Obamacare and to a federal subsidy program for internet and phone services for poor and rural communities that is funded by user fees.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 5 July 2025
Drake and a colleague launched an IPS pilot in New Hampshire in the early 1990s, and then followed with pilots in a mix of rural and urban areas, including in inner city Washington DC.
—Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
-
On the one hand, the World Bank is supporting stronger pastoral systems, which are diverse and regenerative.—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
These attitudes extended to pastoral leadership as well.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Fellow country singer Luke Bryan is also returning as a judge, making Lionel Richie the only non-country artist in a prominent role on the show.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
4 Feb. 2025
-
To some, the look echoed what has been a big night for country music—especially for non-country musicians.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2024
Adjective
-
The large terrace is equipped with lovely sun beds and a rustic wooden dining table for al fresco meals.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
-
If staying the weekend, check out the mix of rustic and modern accommodations at 7A Ranch or the peaceful Wimberley Inn.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
The bucolic hamlet has maintained its charm even as growth has subtly changed the town’s complexion.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
7 July 2025
-
The campus would be located just north of I-74, across what are currently 15 bucolic properties bounded by East Raymond Street, Davis Road, Troy Avenue, and South Post Road.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share