RARE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

rare

adjective

ˈrer

Definition of rare next

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana

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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

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 While speaking to Town & Country for their September 2024 issue, the Dawson's Creek alum gave some rare comments about her daughter Suri, 18, heading to college after graduating from her New York City high school in June. —

Raven Brunner, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Her singular approach to curating a stationary store offers shoppers the rare opportunity to buy a gift that simply cannot be found anywhere else—a fact most notable in their vast selection of handmade Christmas ornaments. —

Carmen Rosy Hall, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024 His work is open-minded and curious about this world in a way that is quite rare in professional philosophy. —

Sean Illing, Vox, 9 Dec. 2024 Without refrigeration or artificial light, meals after sundown were rare. —

Matt Fuchs, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare

Adjective

While most incidents have come in New Jersey, other states, including Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, have also reported unusual drone activity to law enforcement.

Maya Homan, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
But when physicians look at a pool of unusual test results, the chaotic sequencing pattern could flag whether something more serious may be going on and the mother could benefit from additional testing, Bianchi said.

Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024