1
2
3
4

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

Example 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 Human rights abuses in the fishing industry are well documented but accountability is rare. Lex Harvey, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 Common dolphin strandings are also rare in Belgium, the release said. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025 Because it’s been so rare that I was given that opportunity to work with top line people. Jim Ryan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 His body had a rare auto-immune reaction to ibuprofen called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • As a result, Canadians have rejected American imports and issued other economic punishments in an unusual show of patriotism.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Network security also gets a significant upgrade with the help of AI. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) powered by AI monitor traffic in real time, can flag unusual patterns that might indicate a security breach.
    Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • All exquisite in their different ways, nuanced and unerringly observed.
    Erik Pedersen, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
  • As guests dine in the iconic setting of Mille Fleurs, they will be treated to an exclusive fashion show by Isola Boutique, featuring the latest in spring fashion, alongside exquisite jewelry designs by John Matty Co.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Changing Preference For Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry In the case of jewelry purchases, those needs are primarily around milestone life events, holiday and occasional gifting.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • This year, the star has teased new music, sharing occasional studio photos on Instagram.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tornadoes were not uncommon at the time, as Missouri is often considered part of an area of the U.S. nicknamed Tornado Alley.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • But, while the results might have given internet viewers a shock, these types of ultrasound pictures aren't uncommon.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike many younger trees, this tree exhibits extraordinary adaptations.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Barry has had an extraordinary coaching journey, considering his playing experiences took him no higher than League One, the English game’s third division.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Montecito Outdoor Pillow Cover, in particular, brings in a jolt of color and texture in one elegant design.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Held in the heart of Orlando, this elegant event celebrates resilience and hope, with all proceeds directly supporting vital services for survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What happened was that all of this comedy spoken in Kansai-ben was understood nationwide as being funny.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • There’s a couple of really funny, kind of interesting, real stories about musical guests, or different folks at State Dinners who didn’t show up and were late or whatever.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Less Than 1% Of Brackets Remain Perfect On First Day Of Tournament Don't Overlook Humility Technical skills and strategic thinking are vital, but humility is one of the most defining traits of exceptional leaders.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The left-back is a constant threat, capable of turning defence into attack through lightning pace and exceptional dribbling.
    Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!