rather

The word “rather” has 2 syllables: rath-er

It's pronounced as /ˈræðər/

What is synonym and antonym for rather?

In the thesaurus, “rather” has 80 synonyms and 31 antonyms.

Here are synonyms and antonyms for rather along with examples of usage in sentences.

Synonyms for rather

a bit
a good bit
a little
a mite
a tad
a touch
acceptably
after a sort
alternately
alternatively
as a matter of choice
averagely
by choice
by preference
comparatively
considerably
decently
desirably
either
electively
enough
fain
fairly
first
gladly
half
halfway
in a certain degree
in lieu
in lieu of
in preference
incompletely
instead
just as soon
kind of
kindly
like
little
moderately
more or less
more readily
more willingly
much sooner
negligibly
nominally
noticeably
obligingly
of a sort
of sorts
optionally
part
partially
partly
partway
passably
preferably
pretty
quite
ratherish
readily
reasonably
relatively
slightly
so-so
some
something
somewhat
soon
sooner
sort of
to a degree
to some degree
to some extent
tolerably
vaguely
very
voluntarily
well
willingly
wishfully

Antonyms for rather

awfully
beastly
considerably
deadly
especially
exceeding
exceedingly
exceptionally
extensively
extremely
forcibly
frightfully
greatly
heavily
highly
hugely
insignificantly
involuntarily
little
mightily
mortally
particularly
reluctantly
significantly
substantially
surpassingly
terribly
unwillingly
very
violently
willy-nilly

Meanings of rather

verb
1. To prefer; to prefer to.
adjective
1. Prior; earlier; former.
adverb
1. More quickly; sooner, earlier.
2. Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than).
3. Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
4. Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.).
5. (degree) Somewhat, fairly.
interjection
1. An enthusiastic affirmation.

Example Sentences

I would rather stay home and relax than go out tonight.
She rather enjoyed the peaceful afternoon walk in the park.
He was rather surprised by the unexpected turn of events.
They would rather have a quiet dinner than attend a large party.
It’s rather difficult to make a decision without all the facts.

On this page you'll find 111 synonyms, antonyms, or another words to rather, such as: a bit, a good bit, a little, a mite, a tad, a touch, acceptably.

Make sure to choose synonyms and antonyms that are appropriate for the context of the sentence.