rarely

adverb

rare·​ly ˈrer-lē 

1

: not often : seldom

2

: with rare skill : excellently

3

: in an extreme or exceptional manner

Synonyms

• infrequently
• little
• 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

While nearly every state now has a medical parole law, they are rarely used, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. —Don Thompson, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025

Flagship phones with these types of features rarely come this wallet‑friendly: the Motorola Moto Edge+ (2023) lands at just $399.99 (down from $799.99), delivering top‑tier power and stunning style without pushing past the four‑figure mark. —Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025

Federal officials are taking steps to pull the authorization for two rarely used synthetic food colorings -- Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B -- within the coming months. —Sony Salzman, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025

Cats rarely feature in these kinds of stories though and there is a reason for that. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

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