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

The path to the Cup is rarely a straight line, almost never without hiccups along the way. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2025

These are the kinds of stories behind the songs that Jardine plans on sharing from the stage on tour, something he rarely was given a chance to do on tour with Wilson. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025

In business, as in life, luck is rarely a random stroke of fate. —Margie Warrell, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Muscle weakness may switch from one side of the body to the other but is rarely felt on both sides at the same time.14 People with hemiplegic migraines may also experience:14 Headache Visual, sensory, or speech auras Fever Fatigue Clumsy movement 9. —Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 17 Mar. 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