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
Conjunction
The complaint from the Republican leaders of the Arizona Legislature argues Fontes overstepped his authority and used the manual to create policy, rather than interpret it. Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 There is a danger that many feminist narratives leave men feeling defensive and threatened, rather than encouraged to support women who need it if our world is to become more equitable. Luba Kassova, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 The expectation is that Mills will also be a depth piece with the Heat rather than a consistent part of the rotation at this late stage of his NBA career. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 Google will also allow Android users to select a preferred browser and search engine from a menu of options when first setting up their devices, rather than defaulting users to Google’s Chrome browser and search engine. Krystal Hur, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Thus far, Villeneuve has been exceedingly faithful to his source material (his approach to Dune’s adaption was about finding character and story essentials and cutting out the rest, rather than making significant changes). James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 As Trump has reshaped the Republican Party, its core voters have begun to expect lawmakers to mold themselves in Trump’s brash, fighter image, rather than as politicians seeking compromise. Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Spaceman expresses our anxiety rather than leaving it at politics. Armond White, National Review, 8 Mar. 2024 The phenomenon typically results in the jet stream being divided into a subtropical and polar jet, rather than being one consolidated stream, said Brent Wachter, meteorologist with Predictive Services Northern California Operations. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024
Preposition
Engelhardt’s essay is a pointed exploration of the way that advertising seeps into children’s television and a critique of TV aesthetics that dull rather than enliven young minds. Phillip MacIak, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2023 But others said that these technologies should be viewed as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, animal testing. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2023 Moving forward, however, more and more states could be legalizing through the work of their state legislatures, rather than with ballot initiatives, Armentano said. Matt Stiles, CNN, 7 Mar. 2023 The shooting drew criticism of the officers' willingness to use lethal force rather than de-escalating a non-violent situation. Ashraf Khalil, ajc, 7 Mar. 2023 Most of the time the money goes toward improving existing parks, rather than acquiring new land, Jumper said. Stacy Ryburn, Arkansas Online, 7 Mar. 2023 The three officials characterized the decision as driven by public health, rather than foreign policy. Dan Diamond, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Mar. 2023 From the start, Ronaldson foresaw Webb’s cross-continental appeal and aimed for a record deal abroad rather than signing in the United Kingdom. Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2023 Clasps are steel rather than plastic, and a strong steel core is covered with a weather-resistant plastic coating to increase durability. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rather than.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near rather than

Cite this Entry

“Rather than.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather%20than. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rather than

1 of 2 conjunction
1
used to indicate negation or a contrary choice or wish
rather than continue the argument, 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

More from Merriam-Webster on rather than

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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