would rather

idiom

used to indicate what one wants or prefers to do, have, etc.
She would rather drive than take the train.
I would rather you didn't tell them.
"If you'd rather, we can go outside." "No, thanks—I'd rather not."
Which beach would you rather go to?

Examples of would rather in a Sentence

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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.
At Mandeville Lakefront When the clock strikes golden hour, there’s no place locals would rather be than the Mandeville lakefront. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025 New users who would rather make a hefty bet on a certain game can use the safety net. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 Margolis would rather see the parcel preserved as a green space or a park. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025 But on this day, he’s worn out and would rather nap. Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for would rather

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Cite this Entry

“Would rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/would%20rather. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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