rarer; rarest
1
: seldom occurring or found : uncommon
2
a
: marked by unusual quality, merit, or appeal : distinctive
b
: superlative or extreme of its kind
3
: marked by wide separation of component particles : thin
rare air
rareness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of rare in a Sentence
Adjective (1)
even among the prize-winning roses, this one is a rare beauty
rare specialty wools, such as cashmere, prized for their fineness, lightness and exceptional warmth
the French pronunciation of the family's name is rare, except in Louisiana
"Such good manners are rare these days," remarked Mrs. Denby, as the young man let her go ahead of him in line
Recent Examples on the Web
Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
There are 130 galleries from across Europe that come together at Brussels Expo exhibiting rare artworks from antiquity to the twenty-first century including Old Master paintings, classical African art, design future, carpets, fine jewellery and more.
—Kissa Castaneda, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
The order also commuted the sentences of high-profile members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers — two far-right groups that plotted to stop the election certification ahead of the attack, spurring rare seditious conspiracy charges — to time served.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
The rare winter storm comes as more than 220 million people in the US are affected by bitterly cold air.
—Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
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Adjective
On Monday, January 20, the 47-year-old Yeezy founder gave fans a rare peek into his personal life and creative process, sharing how North, his eldest of four kids with ex-wife Kim Kardashian — the exes also share Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 5 — inspired his return to the mixing board.
—Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
There are 130 galleries from across Europe that come together at Brussels Expo exhibiting rare artworks from antiquity to the twenty-first century including Old Master paintings, classical African art, design future, carpets, fine jewellery and more.
—Kissa Castaneda, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
The order also commuted the sentences of high-profile members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers — two far-right groups that plotted to stop the election certification ahead of the attack, spurring rare seditious conspiracy charges — to time served.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
The rare winter storm comes as more than 220 million people in the US are affected by bitterly cold air.
—Karina Tsui, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rare
Dictionary Entries Near rare
Cite this Entry
“Rare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rare. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rare
2 of 2 adjective
rarer; rarest
: cooked so that the inside is still red
rare roast beef
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English rare "thin," from Latin rarus "rare"
Adjective
Old English hrēre "boiled lightly"
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