rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
plural rarities
Synonyms of raritynext
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: one that is rare

Synonyms of rarity

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Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities. Snow is a rarity in this part of the world. He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities. The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.
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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.
The durability of Meloni’s coalition has been a rarity in postwar Italy, where governments often have fallen before the end of their mandates. — Silvia Stellacci, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The durability of Meloni’s coalition has been a rarity in postwar Italy, where governments have often fallen before the end of their mandates. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Tuesday night’s rarity left the Royals on the short end of an odd situation. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 There’s an oxymoronic nature to looking at a watch and feeling the infinite unfold and a true rarity to be able to find something so magical in an object. — Chris Gardner For The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rarity

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rarity was in 1542

Rhymes for rarity

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Browse Nearby Words

Raritan
rarity
Raroian
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Cite this Entry

“Rarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarity. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rarity

noun
rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
ˈrer-
plural rarities
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: someone or something rare
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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