rarely

adverb

rare·​ly ˈrer-lē 

1

: not often : seldom

2

: with rare skill : excellently

3

: in an extreme or exceptional manner

Synonyms of rarely

• seldom

Examples of rarely in a Sentence

She rarely talks about her past.

Rarely do we see this kind of weather in our area.

Only rarely is surgery necessary to treat this condition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Modi, who rarely responds to criticism, has not publicly responded to the protesters’ demands. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Federal courts have historically treated such executive branch determinations as controlling, rarely second-guessing the government’s assessment that a foreign leader should receive immunity. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Black people rarely hang themselves in public, Winbush said, given the historical context. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Bathroom renos usually call for a change in tile, swapping the showerhead, upgrading the hardware, but rarely a toilet upgrade beyond a Toto. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rarely

• rarely/seldom ever
• rarely/seldom if ever

Rhymes for rarely

• unfairly
• barely
• fairly
• squarely

Kids Definition

rarely

adverb

rare·​ly ˈra(ə)r-lē 

ˈre(ə)r-

: not often : seldom