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

The expression has different meanings across cultures, rarely referring to its literal translation. — Annika Pham, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Those elementary particles, first detected experimentally in 1956, travel through space, interacting only rarely with electrons and atomic nuclei. — Daniella McCahey, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

My group of guys rarely, if ever, just go out and play a round just to play. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

This company has rarely put a foot wrong in its recent earnings history. — Tyler Bailey, CNBC, 12 Oct. 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