as in pastoral
of, relating to, associated with, or typical of open areas with few buildings or people
grew up in a rural community where more than half the people were farmers a painter noted for his rural landscapes
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rural
Growing up in rural Tennessee, my grandfather learned that certain activities — card playing, smoking, imbibing — were sinful.
—
Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
And, then, E. Tammy Kim on how drastic funding cuts to public-media organizations will harm rural radio.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 July 2025
Most communities, whether urban, suburban, or even rural, have a local Mexican restaurant, and as of 1992, Americans buy more salsa than ketchup each year.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
When the sole emergency room in Blackford County closed in 2023, the rural county's residents were left with a 30–45-minute drive to the closest ER.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rural
Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
And, then, E. Tammy Kim on how drastic funding cuts to public-media organizations will harm rural radio.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 July 2025
Most communities, whether urban, suburban, or even rural, have a local Mexican restaurant, and as of 1992, Americans buy more salsa than ketchup each year.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
When the sole emergency room in Blackford County closed in 2023, the rural county's residents were left with a 30–45-minute drive to the closest ER.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
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The book was a fascinating read, with each chapter focusing on Graham’s unique access and relationship with each president, talking about the different spiritual pastoral counsel the minister would give.—
Stephen Mitchell,
Baltimore Sun,
14 July 2025
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Inspired by the property’s lush surroundings, Moss used warm plaids, subdued florals, and wooden furniture, plus accents like rattan sconces and pastoral paintings that complement the gorgeous views from every window.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Fellow country singer Luke Bryan is also returning as a judge, making Lionel Richie the only non-country artist in a prominent role on the show.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
4 Feb. 2025
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To some, the look echoed what has been a big night for country music—especially for non-country musicians.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2024
Adjective
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Let the style of your home guide your decision—choose warm tones for rustic or eclectic spaces, and cooler ones for sleek, contemporary settings.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 July 2025
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While the collection is brimming with furniture that is designed to be both rustic and elegant, so many pieces are already sold out.—
Rachel Trujillo,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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The 37-room masseria, which sits atop a bucolic hillside facing the Adriatic Sea, was once owned by the Marquis Palmieri of Monopoli, a 16th-century noble landowner who is best remembered for participating in the Crusades to the Holy Land.—
Aileen Weintraub,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 July 2025
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The pairing of aperitifs and canapés, accompanied by views of the bucolic countryside and herb garden in the backyard, feels transportative.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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