1
as in preferably
by choice or preference
I would rather go to the movies than stay at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in instead
as a substitute
don't think of the placement test as torture but rather as a chance to show off how much you know
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pretty
to some degree or extent
I say, don't you think that's rather expensive for a hamburger?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of rather
David Geffen School of Drama at Yale Yale University Theater, 222 York St., New Haven
The student thesis projects at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale are elaborate full productions with rather large budgets.
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Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2025
The company said this wasn’t a ransomware attack or a result of software flaws, but rather a straightforward network break-in.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
The result is a flood of reluctant travelers — people who are fortunate enough to afford to book hotels at short notice but would still rather be home.
—Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
No, Dairy Queen is not from Texas, but rather started in 1940 in Illinois.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rather 
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2025
The company said this wasn’t a ransomware attack or a result of software flaws, but rather a straightforward network break-in.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
The result is a flood of reluctant travelers — people who are fortunate enough to afford to book hotels at short notice but would still rather be home.
—Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
No, Dairy Queen is not from Texas, but rather started in 1940 in Illinois.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
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Further research, preferably using a larger sample size, is needed to investigate this and to obtain more statistically significant data.New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2025
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That pitcher would preferably sign a contract without too many zeros and commas.Grant Brisbee, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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In an effort to prioritize safety, the nominees were instead announced via a press release this morning.Okla Jones, Essence, 8 Jan. 2025
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Ahead of your next trip, ditch that uncomfortable travel pillow, frustrating toiletry bottles, and clunky duffle bag and opt for some of my essentials that actually work instead.Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Behind every great man, as the old, outdated expression goes, there’s a great woman — and there’s a pretty decent chance she’s been played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2025
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Bencic is adapting to playing on less sleep, such a crucial thing for any athlete, but is grateful that Bella generally has pretty uninterrupted nights.Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Most federal agencies receive relatively cohesive, singular congressional oversight.Frank J. Cilluffo, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025
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Repeat the bowl fold for a fourth and final time; the dough should feel relatively strong.Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 14 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Hobson parlayed his early success into rapid growth, with his budget soon ballooning to a quarter of a million dollars a month.Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2025
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Combs, Carter and an unnamed female celebrity allegedly entered the room soon after, according to her complaint.Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Kulak has gone from someone who wasn’t comfortable enough playing the right side during the playoffs to managing there quite well.Scott Powers, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
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And sometimes, sometimes, this can be quite useful.James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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In general, the editorial apparatus is fairly minimal.Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
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View conflicts as growth opportunities, mediate fairly and focus on solutions.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Fairly decent snow accumulations happening somewhat rapidly.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
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With Lux, the Dodgers lineup seemed somewhat cemented.Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near rather
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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