むしろRather, Instead, Over

むしろ and 逆に both express contrast, but with different nuances. むしろ presents a preference or clarification, e.g. 話すよりむしろ相手の話を聞きたい ('I'd rather listen than talk'). 逆に highlights an outcome opposite to what was expected, e.g. 喜んでくれると思ったが逆に怒られた ('I thought they'd be happy, but they got mad instead').

Both むしろ and 却って express contrast with expectation, but differ in nuance. むしろ introduces a preferred or clearer option, e.g. ワインよりむしろビールが飲みたい ('Rather than wine, I'd rather drink beer'). 却って highlights ironic reversal, e.g. 手伝ってあげたのに却って怒られた ('I helped, but they got angry instead').

Both expressions involve alternatives, but with different meanings. 代わりに indicates a direct substitution or exchange, often physical or role-based, e.g. 泳ぐ代わりに走った ('I ran instead of swimming'). むしろ introduces a more suitable or preferred option, e.g. 泳ぐよりむしろ走りたい ('I'd rather run than swim').

むしろ and というより can both be used when clarifying or rewording something, but function differently. というより attaches to a word or phrase to suggest a more appropriate expression, while むしろ introduces the clarified or preferred wording. Because of this, they often pair together, e.g. 可愛いというより、むしろ美しい ('Rather than cute, she's beautiful').

Both むしろ and それとも involve choices, but in different ways. むしろ is used to clarify or emphasize a preferred option, e.g. ワインよりむしろビールが飲みたい ('I'd rather have beer than wine'). それとも offers neutral choices in questions, e.g. ワインにする？それともビール？ ('Will you have wine? Or beer?').

むしろ and に反して both express contrast, but differ in usage. むしろ emphasizes preference or clarification, e.g. 雨でもむしろ外に出たい ('Even in the rain, I'd rather go out'). に反して highlights contradiction or opposition, e.g. 期待に反して失敗した ('He failed, contrary to expectations').

むしろ and 割に both involve contrast, but from different perspectives. むしろ introduces a preferred or more accurate option, e.g. 寝るよりむしろ本を読みたい ('Rather than sleep, I'd rather read'). 割に shows discrepancy between expectation and reality, e.g. 安い割に美味しい ('It's good for how cheap it is').