Synonyms of rarely

rarely

adverb

ˈrer-lē 

as in seldom

not often

summer thunderstorms occur only rarely along the Oregon coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seldom
• infrequently
• never
• sporadically
• occasionally
• once in a blue moon
• little
• sometimes
• irregularly
• now and then
• ne'er
• episodically

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• often
• frequently
• usually
• generally
• ordinarily
• oft
• routinely
• oftentimes
• always
• customarily
• habitually
• ever
• invariably
• constantly
• continually
• continuously
• forever
• endlessly
• perpetually
• repeatedly
• eternally
• chronically
• perennially
• unceasingly
• everlastingly
• evermore
• recurrently

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rarely

The English invented soccer but have rarely been the best at it. — Steve Douglas, AJC.com, 13 July 2026

Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has cultivated a measured public image, rarely commenting on politics or becoming involved in major public controversies. — Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Roschelle had told the story enough times to know that people rarely asked follow-up questions. — Jessica Contrera, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

History has rarely granted it the peace to do one before the other. — Frayda Leibtag, Time, 13 July 2026