would rather

VERB

prefer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adopt choose go for pick promote put select suggest wish

STRONG

advance aggrandize cull desire elect elevate fancy finger incline mark place pose present proposition propound raise tag take tap upgrade

WEAK

be partial to be turned on to fix upon like better opt for optate propone put forward would sooner

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dislike hate refuse reject

STRONG

decrease depress disgrace drop ignore lessen lose lower stop withhold

WEAK

spurn

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.

But most people, even those with wildly different political views, remembered a man who would rather debate ideas than commit violence against his opponents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

This sends a message that the company would rather have shareholders fund its ambitious expansion of artificial-intelligence infrastructure than use cash on hand.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

Bass has denied she would rather face Pratt than Raman.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

It's odd to say, but I'd wager that most of us would rather live in a poor country where things are improving, than a richer one where everything seems to be in decline.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

“Oh! you would rather talk of her person than her mind, would you? Very well; I shall not attempt to deny Emma’s being pretty.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

would rather

Example Sentences

Related Words