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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Space is moving away from rare, high-stakes missions and toward a model that supports routine experimentation. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Studies show voter fraud is rare across the country. —

Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Shooting deaths, and especially school shootings, are rare in Canada. —

Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026 This is a place to relax and really feel the vibe of the city, something that’s rare to find in a place as busy as Lisbon. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare

Adjective

But, in other respects, your approach to the future might have been unusual, at least by our modern lights.

— Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
They have also been shown to exhibit play behavior with objects in their enclosures, highly unusual behavior for a reptile.

— Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026