1
2
3
4

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 The shock and awe of the deal underscores just how rare truly impactful deals for prominent intellectual property truly are. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025 The hefty fish tacos — swordfish, tuna (cooked pretty rare), and wahoo — are served on corn tortillas with cabbage, salsa and a lime crema drizzled on top. Kate Murphy, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025 For the Black Crowes, the experience of playing alongside Page was a rare and memorable moment. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2025 What To Know The auction will feature several significant pieces, including: Lucy Ridsdale's Telegram: This handwritten message, sent by Ridsdale to her sister in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a rare firsthand account of a survivor's immediate experience. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare
Adjective
  • Bringing such a case is highly unusual and winning a conviction would be difficult, according to current and former prosecutors.
    Glenn Thrush, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Local meteorologists noted that these events were highly unusual for the region, with historical data showing only sporadic snowfall over the past several decades.
    Jim Foerster, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Timeless Brilliance environment showcased exquisite diamond jewels from the collection of heritage gem and jewelry dealer Ernst Färber, which was founded in Munich in 1692.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The Red Room establishes an impressive, grand introduction to the store, and is gracefully merchandised with footwear on exquisite circular onyx tables.
    David Moin, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When do most of us wear gowns outside of the occasional black tie wedding?
    Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Cobb is a native to Georgia and Hood is from Alabama, and the two have been friends — and occasional collaborators — for the better part of two decades.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Conflicting casualty figures are not uncommon in the immediate aftermath of attacks in Syria's 13-year conflict that has killed half a million people.
    Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Though reports of explosions at Iranian military sites are uncommon, past incidents have occurred.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Between 2019 and 2024, the average age of the fleet rose 2.2 years — an extraordinary increase given the higher retirement rate of aircraft during more than a year of COVID.
    Oliver Wyman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • When these guys become older, their skills will be even more extraordinary.
    Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • When only the most polished versions will do, look for an elegant almond-shape toe, a slight Cuban-style heel, and a high shine—like this take from Berluti, with a two-tone treatment of black and petrol blue.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Grande’s elegant look this evening stayed true to the spirit of her red-carpet style this awards season.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Know your audience—What one person finds funny, another might not.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Not the most memorable, but Myers’s flail-laughing at his own insufferable jokes remains a pretty funny encapsulation of Musk’s self-satisfied riffing.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One exceptional find this season is Ashlyn —founded by the South Korean designer Ashlynn Park—which had a number of looks on display in an art gallery in Paris’ first arrondissement.
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The core motion module is capable of a maximum joint torque of 300 N·m, a peak torque density of 203 N·m/kg, and exceptional mobility with a walking speed of 2 m/s, along with a natural human-like gait.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!