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

However, history has shown that cryptography rarely fails because the mathematics are broken. — Evgeny Gervis, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026

There is rarely a moment when someone consciously decides that engagement will become the primary goal. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

Starting a business in Kansas comes with a lot of decisions, and insurance is rarely the one owners think about first. — Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

The pieces themselves are quite powerful, involving bits and bobs of righteous fury and vigilante justice, but they’re rarely strung together with the requisite rhythm. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 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