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Synonym Chooser

How is the word rare different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and exquisite. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

In what contexts can choice take the place of rare?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When is it sensible to use dainty instead of rare?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When could delicate be used to replace rare?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When can elegant be used instead of rare?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When might exquisite be a better fit than rare?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

Examples 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 rare Plus, some colorways are currently on rare sale at Nordstrom, making now the time to add to your cart. Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2025 Creating distinctive elements of unique cashmere and wool blends, his knitwear assortment was a standout offering of rare fabrics with a Shetland aesthetic yet incredibly soft and cozy. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 Increasingly, the threat of tariffs to the alcoholic beverage industry is proving to be a rare issue of bipartisan concern. Anna Lee C. Iijima, Bon Appétit, 21 Jan. 2025 The rare sighting was captured in photos and left officials stunned. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for rare 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • The viewer sees what the ghost sees, an unusual approach to the genre that pays off in a third-act twist.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
  • That helped law enforcement make the unusual traffic stop more than an hour later.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The offering includes an overnight stay at the hotel, a $200 dining credit to indulge in Chef Cabrera’s exquisite tasting menu, and a late checkout to savor every last moment of the getaway.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • But the beauty and sublime expressiveness of his voice transcends language as surely as Shorter’s exquisite, constantly probing musicianship.
    George Varga, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tom Edge, who has written the bulk of the TV series, and Sue Tully, the show’s longtime director, wisely make no attempt to put those reams of online chatter onscreen, settling for the occasional spoken reference.
    Mike Hale, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Breathe Better Air pollution hides inside our homes, causing health effects ranging from the occasional sneeze to chronic respiratory issues.
    Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Accidents are not uncommon during the testing of new rockets and spacecraft.
    Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Scams or scam centers are not uncommon in Southeast Asia.
    Jay Ganglani, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Taken as a whole, the progression is extraordinary.
    Ann Abel, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • With 65 bespoke cabin accommodations with interiors by Ward + Gray and architecture by Electric Bowery, the upstate-industrial vibe of the property is as extraordinary as its exterior views.
    Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An especially fun one is The Group, his soapy adaptation of the 1963 novel by Mary McCarthy, in which wedding guests lunch at the elegant old Brevoort Hotel before trailing the happy couple to the subway (and throwing rice down the stairs after them).
    Vogue, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Regardless of whether it's worn as an elegant dress or in a classic button-up shirt, this shade demonstrates remarkable versatility while maintaining its impact.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The scene perfectly captures the absurdity of Toya throwing a party for her first Birkin—made even funnier by the group’s collective indifference.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Read: Does Dave Chappelle find anything funnier than being cancelled?
    Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • America will soon be greater, stronger and far more exceptional than ever before.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near rare

Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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