Definition of ruralnext
as in pastoral
of, relating to, associated with, or typical of open areas with few buildings or people grew up in a rural community where more than half the people were farmers a painter noted for his rural landscapes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rural Religion and morals could be inroads for Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian, to reach rural voters, Rottinghaus said. Eleanor Dearman updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Miguel says the problems facing rural populations can be daunting. Fatma Tanis, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 Then, in October 2020, a property owner’s nephew discovered Jones’ vehicle off Roosterville Road in rural Heard County, covered in thick vegetation. Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Last year, Nigeria struck a $200 million deal with a renewable energy company to connect rural areas with solar mini-grids. Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rural
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rural
Adjective
  • There are mental health resources, risk management programs, and chapter chaplains who provide real pastoral support.
    Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Engineer Tim Goldstone mixed the album in the English countryside, with the band hanging out in the pastoral setting of Ridge Farm Studio, where the Smiths had recorded Meat Is Murder.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But also multi-country emigration tales, as in Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Previous World Cups were concentrated within one nation, but this year supporters often crossed international borders, making the multi-country experience part of the tournament's appeal.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • The rooms Contemporary luxury meets the rainforest in these plush rooms that feel wild, but not at all rustic.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Loco is known for its casual and rustic atmosphere, barbecue comfort food and cold drinks.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This is the ultimate bucolic New England getaway for families, couples, and groups of friends.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Beaverbrook, a bucolic five-star country house hotel composed of a main manor house and storybook-style individual cottages.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rural.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rural. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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