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Synonym Chooser

How is the word scarce distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of scarce are infrequent, rare, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When might infrequent be a better fit than scarce?

In some situations, the words infrequent and scarce are roughly equivalent. However, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of scarce?

The meanings of rare and scarce largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When is it sensible to use sporadic instead of scarce?

While the synonyms sporadic and scarce are close in meaning, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When would uncommon be a good substitute for scarce?

While in some cases nearly identical to scarce, uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scarce Especially in rural Idaho, where doctors are scarce and doctors’ appointments can be hard to come by, the law could increase Idahoans’ access to the drug, said Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d’Alene, another sponsor and a pharmacy owner. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2025 Direct comparisons are scarce since only two other comparable budget laptops have run our new benchmark suite: the almost identically equipped $349.99 Asus Vivobook Go 15, and the $599.99 Acer Aspire Go 15. PC Magazine, 13 Apr. 2025 Missouri football filled a gap in its scarce specialist room Monday with the addition of transfer punter John Butcher as a preferred walk-on, Butcher announced on X. Butcher makes the move from Grossmont College in El Cajon, California. Amelia Hurley, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025 Increasing supply of popular, relatively scarce shoes. Mark Dent, HubSpot, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce
Adjective
  • The trend left a lasting impact on Marchand and others in her generation who were left with sparse, barely-there brows.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Prevent seeds from establishing by maintaining a healthy lawn, stop seed germination with pre-emergent herbicides, Maintain a Healthy Lawn Dandelions thrive in thin, sparse lawns and garden beds.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Some parents worry that Alexa's high tolerance for rudeness instills poor behavior in their kids, according to Quartz.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Then someone pointed a finger at a surprising culprit: the soldiers’ poor health.
    Maxim Sytch, Harvard Business Review, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the Motley Fool survey from late last year, 54 percent of retirees said the latest COLA is insufficient.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Where those policies are insufficient to prevent the disruption of scholarship, classroom learning and teaching, or other aspects of normal campus life, Harvard must develop and implement disciplinary policies sufficient to prevent those disruptions.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no sign outside Hurdle’s San Diego salon, but despite the low profile, her Instagram page warns that she’s usually booked months in advance.
    Lindsy Van Gelder, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
  • With consumer confidence at its lowest level in three years and inflation expected to climb as a consequence of the trade war, even meek Republicans have raised complaints about the impact of some of Trump’s moves on their political future.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Crafting the right prompt can mean the difference between receiving valuable output that streamlines your workflow or an inadequate response that leaves you frustrated.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Outside of ace Garrett Crochet, whose 1.38 ERA is currently eighth in MLB and third in the AL, Red Sox starters have been inadequate to say the least, with a collective 4.55 ERA — 22nd in MLB — and just four wins against eight defeats.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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