RAREFIED Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

rarefied

adjective

Definition of rarefied

as in buoyant

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of rarefied Wimbledon 2026 starts Monday at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London, and on the most rarefied surface in tennis, fans should expect surprises of all kinds. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 26 June 2026 A bit more than halfway to the runup to the July 17 final, this year’s World Cup is already reaching the rarefied air of something beyond even the NBA Finals or the World Series. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 July 2026 Welcome to the fabulous life of Jen Rubio—co-founder and executive chairman of the luggage brand Away, investor, philanthropist, mother, probable billionaire, friend of society chronicler Derek Blasberg, and the fixation du moment of the most rarefied corners of Instagram. — Ashley Baker, Air Mail, 20 June 2026 Out of 184 medal-winning entries this year, just 12 rums earned the Gold Outstanding distinction, the rarefied tier that advances to trophy consideration ahead of the IWSC's annual awards celebration in London on November 12. — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rarefied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rarefied

Adjective

Johnson and his colleagues are now arguing that the formation of continents on Earth was caused largely by an intense, sustained barrage of asteroid impacts that kept the early crust hot and thin enough to make buoyant continents possible.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026
But estimate-beating earnings reports and buoyant guidance—which the 1990s tech bubble lacked—haven’t been enough to sustain bullishness as investors start to doubt whether profits will come in as strong as expected.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Definition of buoyant

Adjective

The key here is to find a jacket that’s weightless enough to keep sweat at bay while providing just the right amount of warmth on a brisk summer evening or early morning.

— Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 29 June 2026
Beloved by customers for their buttery-soft, ultra-smooth feel and weightless comfort, they’re designed to move effortlessly with you from one itinerary to the next.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026

Definition of weightless

Adjective

The weather service said people should drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and use air conditioning.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Save on lightweight tanks, breezy shorts, easy skirts, and travel-ready tote bags that are ideal for everything from beach days to airport terminals.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of lightweight

Adjective

Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.

— Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

Definition of unsubstantial

Adjective

Its elastic Nap smocking and lighter-than-air fabric stay comfortable all the while — even when commuting in 90-degree weather.

— Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Airships, on the other hand, emit little carbon because their vertical lift comes from lighter-than-air gases such as helium instead of burning fuel during diagonal ascent, and their propeller propulsion can be entirely electric.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Apr. 2026

Definition of lighter-than-air

Adjective

Dion’s look appeared to be made out of a slightly sheer material, showing off her legs through the diaphanous fabric.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 June 2026
That spirit is exemplified by Ford, a gregarious hostess who moves through the various groupings of women in a diaphanous full-length blue dress, introducing Godfred to a group of attendees and hugging both first-timers and her OGs enthusiastically.

— Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Definition of diaphanous

Adjective

Some had Trumpian golden eagles atop the roofs, and a flimsy triumphal arch stood at the center beside the Ferris wheel.

— Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
Unlike modern sports trading cards, which are not only hefty but often bedazzled with autographs, jersey patches, and random holograms, the Panini stickers are flimsy and meant to be abused.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

Definition of flimsy

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rarefied

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“Rarefied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rarefied. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rarefied

adjective

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