When you use rather than, you are listing an option that could be better than another.
A synonym for rather than could include instead of, in place of, and not, in contrast with, unlike with, as distinct from, contrary to, in opposition to, as opposed to, in lieu of, as an alternative to, as a substitute for, as a replacement for, as distinguished from, other than, and alternatively to.
The idea is that you are drawing a contrast between two items.
An example is:
- I prefer to spend my time reading books rather than mountain climbing. My brother, however, likes to play basketball in place of staying at home.
