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

Dodge attempted to keep their correspondence up, but Stein’s replies grew more and more infrequent, and further invitations to the Villa Curonia were coldly refused. —Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025

Our overseas relatives followed her example, connecting through regular emails and calls and supporting Amber, who treasured their infrequent visits back to Australia. —MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

On the flip side, infrequent travelers who previously eschewed the Platinum card may now jump on board to take advantage of its numerous lifestyle benefits such as monthly statement credits for Equinox and quarterly credits for Lululemon. —Katherine Fan, AFAR Media, 18 Sep. 2025

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