Had-Better-Would-Rather | Commonly Confused Words

Had better

/həd ˈbɛtər/

Used to suggest or advise that something should be done

/wʊd/

Used to show preference for one option over another

This word has no antonyms

Had better implies a recommendation or advice with a sense of urgency or necessity.
Would rather is used to express a preference between two options.
Had better often carries a warning of possible negative consequences if the advice is not followed.
Would rather can be used to indicate a choice without any implied warning or urgency.
Remember better in had better suggests improvement or avoidance of something negative.