SPORADIC Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sporadic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sporadic are infrequent , rare , scarce , and uncommon . While all these words mean "not common or abundant," sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts. // sporadic cases of influenza

Q: When is it sensible to use 'infrequent' instead of 'sporadic'?

Although the words infrequent and sporadic have much in common, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time. // infrequent family visits

Q: When is 'rare' a more appropriate choice than 'sporadic'?

The meanings of rare and sporadic largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value. // rare first editions

Q: Where would 'scarce' be a reasonable alternative to 'sporadic'?

While the synonyms scarce and sporadic are close in meaning, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance. // jobs were scarce during the Depression

Q: When would 'uncommon' be a good substitute for 'sporadic'?

The synonyms uncommon and sporadic are sometimes interchangeable, but uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation. // smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

sporadic

adjective

spə-ˈra-dik

Definition of sporadic next

as in occasional

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence sporadic loud noises kept startling everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in infrequent

not often occurring or repeated so long as the complaints remain sporadic, we're doing fine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sporadic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sporadic are infrequent, rare, scarce, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When is it sensible to use infrequent instead of sporadic?

Although the words infrequent and sporadic have much in common, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

When is rare a more appropriate choice than sporadic?

The meanings of rare and sporadic largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

Where would scarce be a reasonable alternative to sporadic?

While the synonyms scarce and sporadic are close in meaning, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When would uncommon be a good substitute for sporadic?

The synonyms uncommon and sporadic are sometimes interchangeable, but uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

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 sporadic Adam Sandler’s Click in song form—was overly glacial, until Gud’s sporadic bursts of ticking hi-hats hit like a downpour in the middle of a heatwave. —

Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026 Even Cuthbert gets some lovely moments in her sporadic flashbacks, helping a lonely young Percy navigate her first period or her first heartbreak. —

Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026 Still, there were sporadic reports by advocates of crackdowns targeting homeless people. —

CBS News, 9 June 2026 There were sporadic cheers when results appeared on screen that — so far — showed Becerra advancing to the general election. —

Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sporadic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic

Adjective

Luke Russert joined his father for major political conventions and occasional shows on the road, Fischer Martin said.

— Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
This frequent, high-profile casting strategy, distinct from occasional star cameos, transforms 'Oh, Mary' into a dynamic, high-demand theatrical experience.

— Katie North, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

After cycling through erratic gigs—bus driver, garbage collector, violin maker—his carpentry skills landed him a job on an expedition vessel in Antarctica from 2006 to 2010.

— Richard Morgan, Time, 29 June 2026
His social media posts became increasingly erratic.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of erratic

Adjective

From a fatal weekend crash on the I-184 Connector to a sudden summer cooldown, here’s a roundup of top stories the Idaho Statesman has published this week.

— Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2026
The blockbuster rulings that dominate the news cycle each June are not sudden flashes of judicial willpower.

— The Conversation, The Conversation, 24 June 2026