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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

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 This botanical wonderland sits on quiet stretch of rare rocky Florida coastline. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 20 July 2025 Injuries and deaths linked with MRI machines are rare, but staff at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island told CBS New York that patients are advised to remove jewelry as well as electrical and other metal objects before getting a scan. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 Here are three key takeaways from this rare congressional scene. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 19 July 2025 In 2021, Jalen Hurts pulled off a rare accomplishment by leading the Eagles' offense in rushing with 784 yards. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • Their target area was unusual, though: a strip of lawn between the road and a fence bordering Interstate 65, where homeless people have set up about two dozen tents over the first half of this year.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • Summer storms cause travel headaches every year, but these numbers are not unusual.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Where a few queens overdo the assignment, Daya’s duct-tape gown reminded that her bad-girl aesthetic still comes channeled through Daya’s exquisite taste.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 11 July 2025
  • Edmund is particularly exquisite in bringing to life the layered history of a location, transporting readers through the eyes of the famous who might have stared at the same monument.
    Michael T. Luongo July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ozzy also did his own occasional tours, including a stop at the Bradley Center on Dec. 14 of that year.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
  • Here, the car continues to be well-mannered, though the occasional dab for power triggers an overeager automatic into dropping a gear or two, sending the V12 into a fury.
    Alex Kalogiannis, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Daytime activity is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate rabies.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • The Southern rock outfit remains so beloved that even retrospective live collections can become commercial wins, which is a relatively uncommon feat for most acts, especially those that have been around as long as Lynyrd Skynyrd.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The path to extraordinary results starts with recognizing what already comes naturally to you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Getty Images/Warren Little The World No. 1 will have the extraordinary chance to complete it on his 30th birthday, as his birthday, June 21, coincides with the final round of next year's US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Complementing the accommodations and A-list automobiles are the property’s elegant Espelette restaurant and bar, the 5,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa, a pool with panoramic city views, and the rarefied Rooftop culinary experience.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 24 July 2025
  • Baden-Baden Nestled alongside Germany's southwestern Black Forest, Baden-Baden is an elegant town that has been attracting wellness lovers since the Roman times.
    Sofia Markovich, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • But a funny thing happened on the way to this flexible-rate nirvana.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • His voice is too funny, too smart and too important to go quietly into the night.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Looking at data statewide, more half of Texas three months ago was in severe, extreme or exceptional (level 4 of 4) drought.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 18 July 2025
  • Made from ultra-soft leather with precision stitching, this Malbon golf glove delivers exceptional grip and comfort with a super elegant appeal, with its magnetic button closure.
    Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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