rather than

1 of 2

conjunction

1
—used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish
rather than continue the argument, he walked away
chose to sing rather than play violin
2
: and not
obscures rather than resolves the problem
why do one thing rather than another?
happy rather than sad

rather than

2 of 2

preposition

: instead of
rather than being pleased, she was angry

Examples of rather than in a Sentence

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.
Conjunction
In other words, the conservation objective has to come first, with the market serving as a tool rather than becoming the goal itself. — Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026 That’s part of why regulators like the FDA focus on strict limits for the most dangerous compounds, such as aflatoxins, rather than banning foods outright. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Preposition
That flexibility makes flow batteries particularly relevant to long-duration storage, where systems may need to deliver electricity for several hours rather than simply provide short bursts of backup power. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026 Test the concept through a short presentation, conversation, or early version rather than keeping it theoretical. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rather than

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rather than was in the 14th century

Rhymes for rather than

See All Rhymes for rather than

Browse Nearby Words

ratherly
rather than
rathite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rather than.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather%20than. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rather than

1 of 2 conjunction
1
—used to indicate negation or a contrary choice or wish
rather than argue, he walked away
chose to sing rather than play violin
2
: and not
happy rather than sad
why one thing rather than another?

rather than

2 of 2 preposition
: instead of
rather than being pleased, she was angry
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