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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 The drones can also work at night, which is rare for farmers, so humans do not get exposed to anything harmful, nor do pollinators which are also usually dormant at night. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Fairuz Iconic Lebanese singer The legendary Lebanese singer turned a spry 90 last year and though her public appearances are rare these days, her legacy is stronger than ever. Spin Staff, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025 In photos: Palisades Fire threatens L.A. homes Go deeper: How wildfire smoke impacts your health LA's wildfires sparked by rare collision of climate factors Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout. Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 Her diagnosis of a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure came a decade after she had been exposed to an asbestos pit at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 8 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
  • The tunes go for three-minute punch, with occasional back-up vocals from Kapranos’ wife, French star Clara Luciani.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Some winters bring consistent snow and frosty days, perfect for outdoor activities, while others see milder conditions with occasional rain or bare ground.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 11 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
  • With 26 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans capturing the evolution of a first-time mother’s brain, we are offered a rare glimpse into the extraordinary adaptability of our most vital organ.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The seven books below follow people who faced extraordinary predicaments and, instead of caving in, found ways to push back.
    Vanessa Armstrong, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The style was elegant and practical, sans any pesky heel height.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Because while SteamOS provides that smooth, responsive, and elegant experience on Steam Deck, Bazzite currently brings it to many other devices.
    Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Nick Park directed this funny flick that may not be Aardman’s best, but minor Aardman is still a family film worth seeing.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
  • In Eureka Day, Jonathan Spector’s incisive and dazzlingly funny play now on Broadway about a Berkeley school board navigating a mumps outbreak, Amber Gray is a new parent named Carina.
    Marley Marius, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Part of that is the exceptional goaltending from Anthony Stolarz (before his injury) and Joseph Woll.
    Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Its standout features include a large, vibrant display, fast charging, and exceptional battery life.
    Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near rare

Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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