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

Rosemount, which won its conference for the first time in 35 years and rarely won by less than double digits, beat Rochester Mayo 65-64 in the semifinals, a nail-biter that proved to be beneficial Saturday. —Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026

Irish whiskey is known for its friendly mildness, so to pair it with a charging rhinoceros like Green Chartreuse gives the cocktail a shove into a realm of intensity that Irish whiskey drinks rarely occupy. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2026

Ponds is rarely out of position in zone or man coverage, and features elite instincts and awareness. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Why this matters beyond one company Large cyber incidents rarely stay isolated. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 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