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

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 infrequent Mentoring programs are infrequent, the study reports. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 Instead, the pharmacy may target those discounts to infrequent buyers of those products to avoid losing them as a customer. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 At the same time, research has demonstrated that the way many organizations do feedback—through infrequent, formal, top-down reviews that focus on correction—is not particularly effective. Hanna Hart, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Invasive surgical procedures are not always advised to treat medical conditions with infrequent or minor symptoms. Jonathan B. Jassey, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infrequent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infrequent
occasional
Adjective
  • Goygol includes 65,000 residents, prim parks, tall pines and occasional Tyrolean architecture.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • With some occasional help from the Rockies, who committed three errors and one big mental mistake, the Padres (24-13) scored in five different innings.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infrequent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infrequent. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infrequent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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