rather

adverb

ˈra-t͟hər How to pronounce rather (audio)
Definition of rathernext
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

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 rather This is not necessarily a rebuke from the European Union, but rather from Danish politician Per Clausen, who sponsored the exhibit. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 Our instructions on how to find the Airbnb arrived via text, or rather a video recording from a friendly local virtually walking us from the parking lot to the property. — Callie Thorpe, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 For a curate, James was also rather extravagant, keeping a pack of hunters while his wife kept a fashionable carriage. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026 In one of his final visits there last month, Claire didn’t focus on his illness, but rather his room number. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
  1. preferably
  2. instead
  3. pretty
  4. willingly
  5. relatively
  6. soon
  7. quite
  8. fairly
Adverb
  • Pneumonic plague is treated with powerful antibiotics, preferably within 24 hours of the first symptoms, the Cleveland Clinic said.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The advice is nearly always the same — wait until after midnight, preferably until the hours before dawn, then give your eyes half an hour to adjust to the darkness.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of preferably
Adverb
  • The Hope Florida Foundation supports Hope Florida, a signature initiative of DeSantis and his wife, Casey, that has aimed to get people off government assistance by connecting them with nonprofits and churches instead.
    — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Shunned by locals, who believe she is cursed, Eleni turns to ancient rituals to resurrect her dead offspring but instead summons malevolent folkloric creatures known as the Kalikantzari.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of instead
Adverb
  • Look, for the first time, Democrats are not just campaigning on each coast, Chris, and that's pretty good for us.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The snake-haired figure gets a pretty bad rap, according to Wilson, who thinks people tend to overlook the more complicated parts of her mythology.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of pretty
Adverb
  • The film’s central question, as Coon sees it, is why someone might willingly abandon a conventional life for an alternative community.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • For some activists, willingly accepting arrest becomes another visible demonstration of commitment.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of willingly
Adverb
  • On Dalporto’s watch, Guitar Center has leaned into relatively new, faster-growing areas like DJ equipment, keyboards, drums, and recording studio gear.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The threat of tsunami has likely largely receded, says USGS seismologist Susan Hough, as the quake occurred on land and happened at a relatively shallow depth.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of relatively
Adverb
  • First-time buyers made up just 21% of home purchases in the National Association of Realtors’ latest annual survey, a record low, and Zillow’s CEO doesn’t expect that to change soon.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But the city soon turns her plans upside down as Julia becomes drawn into a new job, a new life and two unexpected romances.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of soon
Adverb
  • Even when Monét isn’t being quite as playful as on past releases, her personality sparkles brighter than her esteemed guests.
    — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • No other property in Key West captures the true resort feel quite like this.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • The current menu is fairly limited and feels a little flat compared to Saffron, but no doubt as business ramps up, the selection will expand accordingly.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • From Lagos to the Grand Palais, Ojuromi is fairly compelling proof of the concept.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of fairly

Browse Nearby Words

rat finks
rather
ratification
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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