Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Eryn was born with a rare congenital disorder called septo-optic dysplasia, which means she has been blind since birth.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

A cruise ship outbreak has renewed interest in a rare but lethal virus with no cure.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

"But as we said, we want to repeat again, such transmission is very rare and only happens due to very close contact between people," the minister said.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

The Andes virus, a rare type of hantavirus that can be spread between humans, is the cause of a deadly outbreak on a cruise ship that is still anchored off the coast of Cape Verde.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

It was red, which made it twice as rare.

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri

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!