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

He explained that he would rather “move in silence” than predict what his future performances may look like.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

"I am still here, I am still hungry and there is no place I would rather be," she said.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

I would rather see the government invest in education.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

I know that one would rather not think so, but this young man is typical.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

would rather

Example Sentences

Related Words