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

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The large terrace is equipped with lovely sun beds and a rustic wooden dining table for al fresco meals.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • If staying the weekend, check out the mix of rustic and modern accommodations at 7A Ranch or the peaceful Wimberley Inn.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The bucolic hamlet has maintained its charm even as growth has subtly changed the town’s complexion.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 7 July 2025
  • The campus would be located just north of I-74, across what are currently 15 bucolic properties bounded by East Raymond Street, Davis Road, Troy Avenue, and South Post Road.
    Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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