or rather

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.

Spring has officially sprung here on the East Coast, meaning it’s almost time for one vegetable — or, rather, berry — to enjoy its peak season.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Spitting up black phlegm and shouting out strings of word-association gibberish, Ms. Buckley quickly becomes the centerpiece of the movie, or rather its central headache.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Throughout her first pregnancy, Wang Yifan had lots of questions, which she usually put to renowned obstetrician Duan Tao -- or rather, an AI clone of the top Shanghai-based doctor.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

"He recognised the seriousness of what happened, or rather, what didn't happen, and the distress it caused. He offered, and we repeat, an unreserved apology to the families of the deceased and the survivors."

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

“Impossible!—when I told you how she, on the contrary, deserted me: the idea of my insolvency cooled, or rather extinguished, her flame in a moment.”

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë