1
as in preferably
by choice or preference
I would rather go to the movies than stay at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in instead
as a substitute
don't think of the placement test as torture but rather as a chance to show off how much you know
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pretty
to some degree or extent
I say, don't you think that's rather expensive for a hamburger?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rather
For example, the household survey that includes the monthly unemployment rate and demographic data is considered rather volatile because of its smaller sample size and declining response rates.
—
David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
Though heartbreaking, the film is rooted in laughter, with Jamie living his life not in a depressed state but rather choosing to live in the moment.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
Because portable benefits are not tied to a specific employer, but rather to an individual worker, workers can access benefits regardless of their employment status.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Some can serve as bulking agents, absorbing and retaining water all that stuff moving through your gastrointestinal tract so that in the end, or rather out the end your poo can move more readily.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2025
Though heartbreaking, the film is rooted in laughter, with Jamie living his life not in a depressed state but rather choosing to live in the moment.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
Because portable benefits are not tied to a specific employer, but rather to an individual worker, workers can access benefits regardless of their employment status.
—Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Some can serve as bulking agents, absorbing and retaining water all that stuff moving through your gastrointestinal tract so that in the end, or rather out the end your poo can move more readily.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
-
Or, perhaps preferably, turn away from watermarks and towards tactics that can positively prove an image’s authenticity, such as content credentials.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 Aug. 2025
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Extra Tips For Best Results To get the most out of using vinegar in your laundry, here are a few extra tips to make sure your clothes come out soft and fresh every time: Always dilute your vinegar with water, preferably a 1:1 ratio, to prevent unexpected damage.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
2 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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As employees are expected to return to the office, many decide to leave the company instead.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
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Bannon suggested that Trump appoint a MAGA Republican to fill the role instead.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Temperatures and humidity will begin to increase on Thursday, reaching the upper 80s which is pretty typical for mid-August in the metro.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
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Corn on the cob is pretty much required for a cookout, and eating is already going to get a bit messy when ribs are also on the menu.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Ether has been trading within a relatively modest range recently, fluctuating between $3,300 and $3,800 in August following a big month where notable government developments helped boost regulatory clarity for the crypto space.—
Charles Lloyd Bovaird II,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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However, using a relatively small 93 kWh battery does inevitably reduce the Evija’s range.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
6 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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According to reports from China, CATL failed to extend a mining permit which expired last week, sparking speculation that a massive surplus of lithium overhanging the market could soon start to fall with a future shortage and higher prices possible.—
Tim Treadgold,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Seminole County will soon add five cents to the price of every gallon of gas sold in the county, a move made to help fill a multi-million dollar hole in the county’s budget and to pay for the increasing costs of mass transportation.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
Tanner, who is quite religious, was doing the latter.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Most of the utensils were pretty cheap, quite worn, and really should have been tossed a long time ago—including my black plastic spatula.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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That mentality, in addition to so many of the transfers being older, fairly experienced players, has helped accelerate the adjustment process early on.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
5 Aug. 2025
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Located up a winding road, Sulmona itself is fairly flat and easy to walk through, and there are several very good restaurants that feature the cooking of Abruzzo.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots used the pick in somewhat surprising fashion, taking a running back with the 38th overall selection.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Aug. 2025
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Calling Weapons’ ending a victory is perhaps somewhat generous, what with the matter of all the dead people left to account for, even Gladys.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
9 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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