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

Companies with infrequent travel needs—or executives whose trips are concentrated between major airline hubs with flexible schedules—may still find commercial airlines or occasional charter flights to be the most practical and cost-effective choice. — Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Exhibiting became infrequent along the way, in part because so few spaces could present his work. — Aaron Fagan, Artforum, 11 Aug. 2026

Other higher-than-expected reports included heavy menstrual bleeding, vaginal bleeding between periods, anovulatory cycles (when the ovaries do not produce an egg), infrequent periods, and menstrual disorders. — Laura Bradley, HEALTH, 10 Aug. 2026

Even infrequent exposure to high levels of air pollution increases people’s risk of cardiovascular damage. — Richard Marcantonio, The Conversation, 31 July 2026