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

Unlike the common yellow band, the presence of a red marking on the bomb is far more unusual and is rarely observed on standard JDAM munitions. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026

Atkinson plays the titular role, a clueless man who lives alone, rarely speaks, and struggles to exist as a functional adult in the world. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

That means that this nauseating change is being foisted upon us by out-of-town politicians whose constituents probably use PBIA very rarely and might not even know that this bill (or even this airport) exists. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026

Its organic palette can vary from warm grays and deep anthracites to rich browns and, more rarely, milky whites. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 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