rare

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ˈrer 

rarer; rarest

1

: seldom occurring or found : uncommon

2

a

: marked by unusual quality, merit, or appeal : distinctive

b

: superlative or extreme of its kind

3

: marked by wide separation of component particles : thin

rare air

rareness noun

rare

2 of 3

adjective (2)

rarer; rarest

: cooked so that the inside is still red

rare roast beef

rareness

3 of 3

noun

rare·​ness

ˈrer-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being rare : rarity

Synonyms of rare

Adjective (1)

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unique
• uncommon
• abnormal
• odd
• remarkable
• outstanding

Choose the Right Synonym for rare

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste.

choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

infrequent, uncommon, scarce, rare, sporadic mean not common or abundant.

infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

Examples of rare in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth

the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana

"Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Not only do the suites come with baths, some have terraces—which is very rare for this city. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Through its authentic portrayal of professional equestrian sport, the show aims to offer a rare glimpse into a fascinating world, one that’s defined by prestige, pressure to perform and tradition. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

One of Broward’s rare breakout pop acts, Black Violin’s Wil B and Kev Marcus are Dillard High grads who began turning heads playing hip-hop on viola and violin at Fort Lauderdale bars about 20 years ago. — Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

Fox has lots of other material to broadcast, including a rare sit-down interview with Jeff Bezos on Wednesday. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from Latin rarus

Adjective (2)

alteration of earlier rere, from Middle English, from Old English hrēre boiled lightly; akin to Old English hrēran to stir, Old High German hruoren

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective (2)

1776, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing rare

• rare bird
• rare breed
• rare earth
• rare earth element
• ultra-rare

Rhymes for rare

• air
• ayre
• bahr
• bare
• blare
• care
• chair
• claire
• ere
• err
• eyre
• fair

Kids Definition

rare

1 of 2 adjective

ˈra(ə)r 

ˈre(ə)r

rarer; rarest

1

: not thick or dense : thin

the atmosphere is rare at high altitudes

2

: very fine : excellent, splendid

a rare June day

3

: very uncommon

rain is rare in the desert

a collection of rare books

rareness noun

rare

2 of 2 adjective

rarer; rarest

: cooked so that the inside is still red

rare roast beef

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English rare "thin," from Latin rarus "rare"

Adjective

Old English hrēre "boiled lightly"