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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.

The recordings showed that rather than acting out of fear, Boyd was angry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The available sources support and affirm the article’s characterization rather than present opposing arguments.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Or rather, Claude Code made a game, based on our prompts.

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2026

Quantum batteries operate using core principles of quantum mechanics, including superposition and entanglement, rather than the chemical processes used in today's batteries.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

“If it makes you feel any better, there’s no one else I’d rather have as a partner in crime,” she said.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.