rarely

adverb

rare·​ly ˈrer-lē 

1

: not often : seldom

2

: with rare skill : excellently

3

: in an extreme or exceptional manner

Synonyms

• 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

Interestingly enough, the tumulus represents a meeting of Roman and Celtic traditions, though, by the looks of it, this funerary monument, possibly attached to a stately though unknown elite, was a symbolic gesture, piquing intrigue and revealing a slice of Roman life rarely seen. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025

Homecoming weekend is rarely kind to the Charlotte 49ers, and Saturday’s 49-14 loss against Temple proved more of the same. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025

This may be necessary once a month or more in the kitchen and bathroom, but rarely in the guest bedroom. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025

The less glamorous side — the poop shoveled, the low wages — is rarely shown. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 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