rather than

1 of 2

conjunction

1

—used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish

rather than continue the argument, he walked away

chose to sing rather than play violin

2

: and not

obscures rather than resolves the problem

why do one thing rather than another?

happy rather than sad

rather than

2 of 2

preposition

: instead of

rather than being pleased, she was angry

Examples of rather than in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Conjunction

The reason, an official with knowledge of the meeting plans said, is because King Charles is a head of state, rather than a head of government. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

British monarchs are constitutionally bound to remain above politics, able only to represent the UK rather than speak for its government. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026

Preposition

The Vatican facilitates visas and local SIM cards in advance, and arranges hotels and local transportation, allowing reporters to focus on the news rather than logistics. —ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

In the middle layer, add depth with a candle whose scent complements rather than competes with the base. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

1595, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rather than

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan

Kids Definition

rather than

1 of 2 conjunction

1

—used to indicate negation or a contrary choice or wish

rather than argue, he walked away

chose to sing rather than play violin

2

: and not

happy rather than sad

why one thing rather than another?

rather than

2 of 2 preposition

: instead of

rather than being pleased, she was angry