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

Watering should be infrequent and thorough. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025

As women enter the late stage of perimenopause, periods typically become even more infrequent and spaced out, often 60 days or more apart, and symptoms—including sleep disturbances and mood swings, among others—often become more pronounced. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025

After going 1 for 7 in the first two games of the NL Championship Series, that quote was repeated to Ohtani during the Japanese portion of one of his infrequent media sessions on Wednesday afternoon. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025

Papal elections, by contrast, are infrequent and rely on votes from cardinals who have sworn an oath of secrecy. —Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2025