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 Their missions are similar, but unlike Porsche, Bentley isn’t chasing ultimate performance, but rather the ultimate expression of luxury. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026 In addition to the new Iran measures, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also rather quietly ended its designation for Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 The pic was rather successful in the day, grossing close to $70 million at the domestic box office. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 No single event led to the breakup, two of the sources add, but rather the parties slowly drifted apart. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Aug. 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
  • For Jaissle, a defensive midfielder who had preferably played in the Premier League was essential.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ornamental Grasses Tall ornamental grasses, preferably native ones such as switchgrass, create a focal point in your landscape and mimic the movement and sound of a water feature.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of preferably
Adverb
  • So when Billie and Issa get an actual offer for drinks with two firefighters who come to the house, Billie puts on a goofy British accent à la Issa and turns them down, choosing a quiet night at home with her friend instead.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • On September 6, 1901, a setting intended to showcase the thrill of a new century instead became the scene of a presidential assassination.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of instead
Adverb
  • Two Democrats buck their party A pretty unusual thing happened this afternoon, the second day of the House of Representatives' return from August recess.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Even her beauty look was understated, from her unfussy low bun to her pretty pale-pink square manicure.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of pretty
Adverb
  • But the very act of putting on a wearable—of willingly adorning oneself with a tiny computerized narc—is an act of surrender.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • If Gluck has willingly conceded to the anti-erotic proclivities of his intended audience, Araki has, naturally, set out to defy them.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of willingly
Adverb
  • For reference, antimony is a relatively scarce metal/mineral used in things like flame retardants, batteries, electronics, and defense applications.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Its relatively rapid custom timeline—delivering boots in 6 to 12 months—is also a plus.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of relatively
Adverb
  • Those hoping the Iran war ends soon currently face disappointment.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This was prompted by Moises Caicedo’s fitness — deemed unable to appear against Fulham and coming on late against Brighton before hobbling off again soon after.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of soon
Adverb
  • If your lawn grass was already quite thin, topdressing with a thin layer of quality topsoil is recommended.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
  • As a shocking chart by the Wall Street Journal illustrates, the amount of capital spent on non-data center construction in the US has quite literally fallen off a cliff, while the capital deployed to build data centers soars into the stratosphere.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of quite
Adverb
  • All three countries will also need to create new regulatory regimes to make sure that Chinese firms operate fairly and do not continue to benefit from Beijing’s subsidies or from its discriminatory allocation of exports of essential inputs.
    — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The couple keeps their relationship fairly private, but Waggoner occasionally features Winter in posts online.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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