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 Utah has only executed one person in the past 15 years, reflecting a broader trend of infrequent executions. Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 The Broncos have managed well enough offensively through two games despite infrequent contributions from Engram (four catches for 33 yards). Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2025 Travis Kelce is clearly at the end of his career with good plays becoming increasingly infrequent, and there are no easy buttons to press on this offense. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025 Paper capacity is generous enough to keep refills infrequent. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infrequent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infrequent
occasional
Adjective
  • Front man Coleman cuts a tall, brooding figure, saving his emotions for his vocal delivery and occasional pronouncements on the importance of faith.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Sticky snow covered the branches, along with occasional yellow dots of llao llao, an edible fungus native to the region.
    Scott Yorko, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infrequent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infrequent. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infrequent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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