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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of rather
Although the Magic would have rather closed out their best-of-seven first-round playoff series against the Pistons on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena, Orlando now has an opportunity to accomplish a franchise first.
—
Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Due to financial straits brought about by the pandemic, industry guidelines surrounding institutional collections were relaxed, paving the way for museums to use money gained from art sales not solely for acquiring more art but rather for care of existing collections.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The surge hasn’t come from one blockbuster storm, but rather from a steady parade of systems tracking into the region.
—Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
Its red, orange and yellow daisy-like blooms keep coming through the hottest months with almost no fuss — a strong choice for gardeners who would rather enjoy their yard than baby it.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rather
Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Due to financial straits brought about by the pandemic, industry guidelines surrounding institutional collections were relaxed, paving the way for museums to use money gained from art sales not solely for acquiring more art but rather for care of existing collections.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
The surge hasn’t come from one blockbuster storm, but rather from a steady parade of systems tracking into the region.
—Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
Its red, orange and yellow daisy-like blooms keep coming through the hottest months with almost no fuss — a strong choice for gardeners who would rather enjoy their yard than baby it.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rather
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rather
Adverb
-
An epiphany Through the years since Sherman began speaking publicly about moving the team from Kauffman Stadium to a modern home most preferably in the city, Hall was a frequent advisor — or at least an ear.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
-
And then there is the youth, the cost-efficient prospects who preferably would be able to grow with the next roster rendition, a pair of players with skill sets that complement.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
But the matchup instead provided a great example of how exciting a game can be when two teams featuring stars and athleticism around the diamond put together a great performance.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
In September 2025, the City Council voted to explore whether Los Angeles could withdraw all legally allowable homelessness funding from LAHSA and instead contract with the county’s new homelessness department.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
So again, a pretty serious album there.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
-
That’s pretty great to know that your school has produced some pretty cool athletes like that.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Before his trial, Hitchcock pulled back his confession and said his brother, Richard Hitchcock — Cindy’s stepfather — killed the girl in a fit of rage after discovering James Hitchcock and the girl willingly in bed together.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
In the dying days of the Russian Empire, highborn ladies would willingly cut the dirty fingernails of the peasant Grigori Rasputin and then sew the clippings onto their dresses like sacred talismans.—
Gerard DeGroot,
Air Mail,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
This realization, Parker begins to explain, is a relatively recent one.—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, Switzerland has a relatively weak fertility rate, with natural growth (births minus deaths) at around 6,000 in 2024.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The sale, which is expected to be officially announced soon, is subject to approval by 75% of the 29 other team owners.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Roenicke never had a chance, taking over a team that would soon go on a salary dump that purged Betts, the 2018 AL MVP, along with 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner David Price.—
Jimmy Golen,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
However, the day did not go quite according to plan for Dale Coyne Racing's Romain Grosjean, and that was all thanks to an unfortunate run-in — in the most literal sense imaginable — with a bird.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
General Daily Insight for April 29, 2026 Tension shows up today when timing, tone, or expectations don’t quite match.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
If Campbell fails, then speculation can fairly begin.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The authors stress the need for a robust public domain for information and for IP to be fairly applied alongside the public domain in order to encourage economic growth and innovation.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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