RARE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'rare' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice , dainty , delicate , elegant , and exquisite . While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence. // rare beauty

Q: In what contexts can 'choice' take the place of 'rare'?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind. // choice fabric

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dainty' instead of 'rare'?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate. // dainty sandwiches

Q: When could 'delicate' be used to replace 'rare'?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility. // delicate craftsmanship

Q: When can 'elegant' be used instead of 'rare'?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste. // a sumptuous but elegant dining room

Q: When might 'exquisite' be a better fit than 'rare'?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste. // an exquisite gold bracelet

rare

adjective

ˈrer

Definition of rare

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exquisite

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in uncommon

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced "Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word rare different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of rare are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and exquisite. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

In what contexts can choice take the place of rare?

In some situations, the words choice and rare are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When is it sensible to use dainty instead of rare?

The meanings of dainty and rare largely overlap; however, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When could delicate be used to replace rare?

Although the words delicate and rare have much in common, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When can elegant be used instead of rare?

The words elegant and rare can be used in similar contexts, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When might exquisite be a better fit than rare?

The words exquisite and rare are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

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 rare But at a school that just produced Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and Naismith Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, among others, Garcia gets the rare opportunity to tap into some normalcy. — Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 In rare cases where kids are suspended, programs must set up home visits and explore a referral for special education services. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 The matchups between the two schools have typically been shootouts, but could this year’s game be a rare defensive struggle? — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026 And like all Criterion releases, The Complete Kubrick features a host of behind-the-scenes materials, including over twenty-five hours of interviews, rare photographs, artwork, and documents annotated by Kubrick. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rare

Adjective

The team now points to interactions between manganese and ytterbium as a possible source of the unusual Hall response.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
The unusual diplomatic rebuke underscored the mistrust between the two countries.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

There’s no end of things to do here—an athletic club, frequent cultural events, and an exquisite spa.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Played with exquisite, improbably expressive steeliness by Florence Pugh, Cathy does not awaken from nowhere as a predator.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of exquisite

Adjective

The significance of the work goes beyond eliminating the occasional frustrating chatbot conversation.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
An occasional bird would chirp in the distance, but the forest emanated an eerie stillness, said Young, a research ecologist at the University of California, Davis.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

This way of thinking is not uncommon, and it’s not limited to film criticism.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
Police noted that mountain lions are not uncommon near the Stanislaus River and other rural pockets around Oakdale but urged residents to stay alert – especially overnight and around dawn and dusk.

— Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of uncommon

Adjective

This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Guadagnino speaks in calligraphy; adjectives almost certainly accompany a proper name — the extraordinary, the wonderful, the genius.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

The elegant and spacious suites feature terraces with sun loungers and panoramic ocean views.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

Her career demonstrates extraordinary range, an exceptional level of acting and at the same time, a very special connection with audiences.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Nonetheless, the association of Nike with exceptional athletes remains a litmus test for relevance, consumer sentiment, and brand equity — all metrics Hill should be working toward as part of his ongoing brand turnaround.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceptional

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“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rare. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rare

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