1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary
even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exquisite
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in occasional
not often occurring or repeated
the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in uncommon
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced
"Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rare
Skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere were in for a rare treat as two planets formed a recent conjunction in the night sky.
—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026
On Thursday, while making a surprise visit to a hospital in London, Middleton made a rare admission about her treatment.
—Brie Stimson , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The chance to see these fragile formations—the mark of winter, nature's best architect—is a rare gift.
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
While there, Kate made rare comments about her cancer journey, which she was diagnosed with in early 2024.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
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This translation by Nancy Naomi Carlson preserves the rich musicality of the original French, as well as its frequent use of wordplay and often unusual word choice.—
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Ostrich Leather Recognizable by its distinctive quill pattern and supple texture, ostrich leather combines durability with an unusual kind of beauty.—
Adjective
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The perfect balance for a sport that jostles between exquisite and excruciating.—
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As with Sátántangó, Tarr devised exquisite tracking shots that seemed to float through János’ unhappy universe, delivering one knockout image after another.—
Adjective
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Not even those who, inspired by occasional bouts of yellow fever, had sure access to fleeting moments of lucidity.—
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Today, occasional direct ferries provide a simpler two-hour crossing.—
Adjective
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Engineers with PennDOT said the slide sent debris across both lanes of I-79 in an area where landslides are not uncommon.—
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Serious side effects are uncommon, but high-dose treatment for deficiency can occasionally cause low potassium levels.—
Adjective
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Packed with extraordinary gorilla behavior never filmed before, this is a story of hope and joy.—
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Johnson’s ability to rapidly guide the Bears here registers as extraordinary.—
Adjective
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Her hairstylist gave tendril lovers an idea for a whole new way to wear one, tucking Grande's bangs behind a section of hair left loose not from her hairline but a bit farther back—still elegant, but a bit more playful and creative.—
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Lopez accessorized with diamond earrings and wore her hair in an elegant updo.—
Adjective
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To the contrary, though the film is frequently funny, Brewer takes their ambitions and reversals seriously.—
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Hockey is a funny game sometimes.—
Adjective
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Together, these innovations position the D19 not only as a high-performance SUV but also as a vehicle engineered for exceptional control and confidence in a variety of driving conditions.—
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The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Waubonsee graduates who demonstrate exceptional achievement and meaningful, ongoing contributions to their professions, communities and alma mater, the release said.—
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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