Definition of ruralnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 rural Lawmakers redrew the district in 2013, extending it east into rural Ray, Lafayette, and Saline counties. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 The organization also works to improve firefighters' access to critical information about rural properties. — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The foundation raises money to expand opportunities for students in the rural district. — Sophia Veneziano, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026 Turns out that whoever at their urban university up north briefed them on their task had also schooled them in how to interact with rural Ozark folk. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
  • This seasonal pastoral journey, known as transhumance, defines a semi-nomadic way of life that is rapidly disappearing.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
  • These new or renovated getaways offer opportunities to bask in the season’s pastoral and cultural delights in comfort.
    — Stephanie Rosenbloom, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But also multi-country emigration tales, as in Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Previous World Cups were concentrated within one nation, but this year supporters often crossed international borders, making the multi-country experience part of the tournament's appeal.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • The mid-weight denim is rigid, made of 100 percent cotton rigid denim and has a bit of a rustic feel.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The 2,700-square-foot residence was originally built in 1910 as a rustic log cabin perched above West Seattle’s Alki Beach.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The building itself is a marvel, along with the dreamy, bucolic setting, laced with ivy, lemon trees, and cascading stone fountains.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Where to Stay in Litchfield, Connecticut No trip to Litchfield is complete without a stay at the bucolic Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection.
    — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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