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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 That unit, with Nick Robertson and McMann on the flanks, dominated in Carolina: unblocked shot attempts were 11-2 in their eight minutes, including a rare goal from Holmberg. Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Shapiro is a Democrat, but in a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, Republicans joined Democrats in condemning the attack. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025 By 1815, machine breaking had become rare, but the plight of the artisans remained dire. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 In an industry where longevity is rare, cryptocurrency exchange BitMart celebrates its seventh anniversary amid a landscape marked by volatility, security challenges, and rapid technological evolution. Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • Although not musicians, the Goldbergs quickly realized there was something unusual about their 3-year-old boy.
    Steve Rothaus, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • For one group of six girls living in Waterloo, Canada, their lives took an unusual turn when a couple of very territorial geese decided to claim their front lawn as their own.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His time at Ralph Lauren bleeds into the exquisite construction of the pieces Chavarria designs presently.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Founded in 1948 by jeweler David Webb, the house has been celebrated for its signature animal motifs, intricate gold work and exquisite use of vibrant gemstones.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The house that the Americans strategically position themselves in is home to two families; there are occasional insert shots of family photos and trinkets, and at several points these families are shown cowering, terrified by what’s happening around them.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In general, bigleaf hydrangeas require little pruning, save for occasional shaping and thinning.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • To be fair, government tech projects are complicated, and overruns aren’t uncommon.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Addressed an issue where all horse saddles were uncommon.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Harvard University President Alan Garber released an open letter today that provided an exceptional example of leadership integrity when faced with extraordinary external pressure.
    Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • As the investigation unfolds, attention is likely to remain on both the technical aspects of the crash and the extraordinary lives lost in an instant.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Puff sleeves are always elegant, helping to dress up any outfit no matter what it’s paired with.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This compact security camera offers exceptional value and robust features in a tiny design.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Her detention was exceptional, immigration attorneys said, because it was caught on camera.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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