Synonyms of infrequent

infrequent

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈfrē-kwənt 

as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated

a shut-in who made infrequent trips to the store

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occasional
• sporadic
• odd
• rare
• isolated
• unusual
• uncommon
• intermittent
• scarce
• few and far between
• scattered
• unique
• discontinuous
• irregular
• erratic
• spasmodic
• fitful
• spotty
• unsteady
• choppy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• frequent
• regular
• daily
• common
• ordinary
• routine

Synonym Chooser

How is the word infrequent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of infrequent are rare, scarce, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of infrequent?

The words rare and infrequent can be used in similar contexts, but rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When can scarce be used instead of infrequent?

In some situations, the words scarce and infrequent are roughly equivalent. However, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When would sporadic be a good substitute for infrequent?

The meanings of sporadic and infrequent largely overlap; however, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When could uncommon be used to replace infrequent?

Although the words uncommon and infrequent have much in common, uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of infrequent

Vigorous growth, paired with deep, infrequent watering, indicates that the grass is establishing a strong root system. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025

Brinkerhoff, although an infrequent Oaklawn visitor, knew enough to scan the jockey standings before naming meet leader Francisco Arrieta aboard. —Bob Wisener, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2025

This is not a welcoming message for an infrequent protester or a citizen looking to voice her concern for the first time. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025

Currently, those who rely on public transit are only provided a single, infrequent bus line across the bridge with no service after 10 p.m. If the pathway is closed, those who rely on bicycles, e-bikes and other devices will have no crossing at all. —Robert Prinz, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025