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Showing results for rather.
Definitions

rather

[rath-er, rah-ther, rath-ur, rah-thur] / ˈræð ər, ˈrɑ ðər, ˈræðˈɜr, ˈrɑˈðɜr /
ADVERB
moderately
Synonyms
STRONGEST
a bit a little comparatively fairly kind of pretty quite relatively slightly somewhat
WEAK
averagely enough in a certain degree more or less passably ratherish reasonably so-so some something sort of to some degree to some extent tolerably
Antonyms
WEAK
extremely insignificantly little violently
ADVERB
significantly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
considerably noticeably quite somewhat very well
WEAK
a good bit
Antonyms
STRONGEST
little
WEAK
extremely insignificantly violently
ADVERB
preferably; instead
Synonyms
STRONGEST
sooner willingly
WEAK
alternately alternatively as a matter of choice by choice by preference first in lieu of in preference just as soon more readily more willingly much sooner
Antonyms
WEAK
extremely insignificantly little violently

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.

Language, metaphors, narratives, structures—all these exist to explain, rather than constrain, our desires.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In any case, they didn’t give in; rather, they suspended the talks that they were having with Pakistani intermediaries.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

Still, Majumdar expects the cease-fire to allow the market to refocus on the chip maker’s fundamentals, rather than lingering worries about surging energy prices.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“As a result, markets are likely to treat this as a pause rather than a resolution.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

I’ll be honest, I might have preferred flowers, or at least a more feminine handbag rather than a heavy-duty satchel, but still it was a lovely thought!

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler