rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
plural rarities
Synonyms of raritynext
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: one that is rare

Synonyms of rarity

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Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities. Snow is a rarity in this part of the world. He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities. The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The spa is open to all guests without appointment, a rarity at hotels of this caliber. — Winston Ross, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 On his new album, only three writers are credited, including himself — which is somewhat of a rarity these days in K-pop. — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 Pools are scarce in the area, Haze noted, and the marketing leans into that rarity — especially when paired with immediate beach access. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026 Add to that the opportunity for mountain adventure without long travel days, and Montenegro is a true rarity. — Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rarity

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rarity was in 1542

Rhymes for rarity

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Browse Nearby Words

Raritan
rarity
Raroian
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Cite this Entry

“Rarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rarity

noun
rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
ˈrer-
plural rarities
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: someone or something rare

More from Merriam-Webster on rarity

Nglish: Translation of rarity for Spanish Speakers

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