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Definitions

rare

[rair] / rɛər /
ADJECTIVE
exceptional, infrequent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
extraordinary limited occasional scarce singular strange subtle uncommon unique unlikely unthinkable unusual
WEAK
attenuate attenuated deficient few few and far between flimsy inconceivable isolated light out of the ordinary rarefied recherché scanty scattered seldom semioccasional short sparse sporadic subtile tenuous thin unfrequent unheard of unimaginable unwonted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common commonplace familiar frequent normal ordinary regular standard sufficient usual
WEAK
cheap typical well-done worthless
ADJECTIVE
precious, excellent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicate exquisite great priceless rich unique
WEAK
admirable choice dainty elegant extreme fine incomparable invaluable matchless peerless recherché select superb superlative
Antonyms
STRONGEST
poor serious weak
WEAK
cheap common frequent ordinary regular typical usual well-done worthless
ADJECTIVE
not fully cooked
Synonyms
WEAK
bloody half-cooked half-raw moderately done nearly raw not done rarely done red undercooked underdone
Antonyms
WEAK
cheap common frequent ordinary regular typical usual well-done worthless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If that is true, the tree represents something rare.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

"These current results highlight that sideways locomotion in true crabs is a rare but innovative trait that may have contributed to their ecological success," Kawabata concludes.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

Getting in early with SpaceX and Anthropic “is a rare accomplishment,” Michael Ewens, a finance professor at Columbia Business School, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

The company is also increasingly using an advanced practitioner model, which involves nurse practitioners and physician assistants managing more complex patient care into areas like oncology, neurology, and rare diseases, which have more favorable economics.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

It was a rare flash of good sense when he pleaded to be sent far away from the daily torment of her stoop-shouldered, darting-eyed presence.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing rare

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Witch Boy" by Molly Knox Ostertag

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Workshop 5, Part 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!