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
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of rather
We were rather taken by a gleaming all-black example on display at the company’s booth.
—
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
The Formentor is a rather cool little crossover/hatchback, available with either a 48 V mild hybrid (starting at under $32,000 or 28,000 euros) or a plug-in hybrid (starting at under $49,000 or 43,000 euro) powertrain.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
While Dope Thief is in the same space, you guys bring an entirely different energy here that doesn’t exist in your two most famous or, rather, infamous roles.
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Some experts believe that satisfaction in this context may not indicate happiness but rather resilience and adaptation.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
The Formentor is a rather cool little crossover/hatchback, available with either a 48 V mild hybrid (starting at under $32,000 or 28,000 euros) or a plug-in hybrid (starting at under $49,000 or 43,000 euro) powertrain.
—ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
While Dope Thief is in the same space, you guys bring an entirely different energy here that doesn’t exist in your two most famous or, rather, infamous roles.
—Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Some experts believe that satisfaction in this context may not indicate happiness but rather resilience and adaptation.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
-
For kids 6 and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavior therapy and medication, preferably together.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
17 Mar. 2025
-
If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm passes.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
The Mercury News,
17 Mar. 2025
Adverb
-
Detectives kept it to themselves, instead the LAPD let the suspects think that investigators had fallen for what police perceived to be a trick.—
Greg Fisher,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Her approach extends beyond immediate intervention, focusing instead on helping parents and caregivers recognize and manage their own emotions, in order to create safe spaces where children can learn and grow.—
Lauren Carpenter,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
These strips are pretty comfortable to wear as well, not overly stiff and easy to manipulate around your nose and tuck into crevices.—
Daley Quinn,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
-
But he’s displayed some pretty serious character in the past month.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
But if Trump lowers them through negotiations relatively quickly, the worst-case scenario can be avoided.—
Time,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Gold has been used as currency for millennia and formed the basis for many monetary systems until relatively recently, but its weaknesses are now apparent.—
Edward Fishman,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Even the songs that go viral on TikTok—a platform that already demands a kind of maniacal concision—often have their tempos increased in order to arrive at the hook sooner.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
-
But soon, a tall barometer in an oak case would arrive, with instructions included.—
Danny Robb,
JSTOR Daily,
14 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
So there’s a mutual agreement between the two, or mutual benefits, that are quite tolerable—or even pleasurable.—
Mark Holgate,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The Chicago Cubs have done a lot to shape their team into a postseason contender over the last few months, and, to this point, it's paid off quite well.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
Heat-wise, this honey is fairly bold—like a mini firework show for your tastebuds.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
-
This action will allow U.S. tomato growers to compete fairly in the marketplace.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
But the prolific writer-director’s latest provides an illustration of how the genre became somewhat fossilized via formulaic writing and overexposure even before 1950s television began churning out Western content in bulk.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Brother handles this somewhat differently than other manufacturers.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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