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
One question that seemed to dominate conversation on Sunday had nothing to do with the genre-scrambling film’s Oscar chances, but, rather, its categorization as a comedy in the first place, which is a whole other can of worms.
—
Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 11 Jan. 2026
Elsewhere, rather tranquil weather conditions are in place across much of the nation, likely remaining that way through the first half of the upcoming week.
—ABC News, 11 Jan. 2026
The study’s authors further stated that the poison found in the artifacts would not have killed prey instantly, but rather slowed prey down, thereby making the animal easier to catch.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
The singer and actress began her Las Vegas residency on December 30—and her show, is, rather appropriately, filled with showgirl looks, including a dramatic sheer black lace catsuit.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
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Get yourself a high-quality water bottle, preferably one with a hands-free straw for easy access.—
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The perception is that only like-minded DeSantis partisans, preferably with inside connections, need apply.—
Adverb
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Young and the Panthers had a chance to win the NFC South outright Saturday but instead lost 16-14 to Tampa Bay.—
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So instead, Illinois leaders are taking the easy way out by moving the goalposts to their benefit.—
Adverb
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He was also named the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year winner this year, so he’s clearly valued internally by some pretty important decision-makers.—
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In recent games, KU’s communication has been pretty poor on defense and that’s led to players taking (and too often missing) wide-open 3-pointers.—
Adverb
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Each comes to understand that the rules that prevailed during calmer times no longer hold, that to cling to them is to willingly accept privation and defeat.—
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The Michigan victim thought her love interest was seriously injured in an explosion while working on an oil rig — and willingly rushed money to help.—
Adverb
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So, when inflation in groceries and consumer goods spiked in 2021—even for a relatively brief period—low- and middle-income Americans had precious little slack left to absorb it.—
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The agreement was relatively uncontroversial then, but when the time rolled around for the Danish parliament to officially ratify the treaty, this past June, Danes were feeling a lot more skeptical.—
Adverb
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The Senate rejected a three-year extension last month, but serious bipartisan talks are underway in hopes of finding a compromise soon, reportedly early next week.—
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According to a Mercury News report from the time, the neighbor called for help, and was soon joined by another resident who described the apartment as having been ransacked.—
Adverb
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Everything was really incorrect for the period—shiny, sparkly, overdone—but the actual shapes and silhouettes of his clothes are quite accurate.—
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But the Panthers were also quite consistent in some ways.—
Adverb
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The 40% The 2026 outlook is fairly compelling for bonds.—
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Typically local zoning commissions have fairly wide latitude in deciding whether large residential projects go forward.—
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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