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Synonym Chooser

How is the word scarce distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of scarce are infrequent, rare, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When might infrequent be a better fit than scarce?

In some situations, the words infrequent and scarce are roughly equivalent. However, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of scarce?

The meanings of rare and scarce largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When is it sensible to use sporadic instead of scarce?

While the synonyms sporadic and scarce are close in meaning, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When would uncommon be a good substitute for scarce?

While in some cases nearly identical to scarce, 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 scarce Technology requires energy to power it, and the extraction of scarce minerals to build it. Aya Saed, Time, 17 June 2025 The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season, which meant snow was scarce. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025 High-Potential, Untapped Markets I’m inspired by what others ignore—those quiet gaps where attention is scarce but potential is high, like a niche market with growing demand but little innovation. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Evidence for the exact state of health of prehistoric humans is scarce. Literary Hub, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce
Adjective
  • On one side stood a sparse gathering of supporters, including students and faculty.
    Avi D. Gordon, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
  • After missing the cut at the US Open, Phil Mickelson walked off the 18th green at Oakmont with a quiet nod to the sparse crowd, a soft wave, and a lingering glance at the leaderboard.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The key drivers are BGE’s soaring spending and profits and poor management by PJM Interconnection, the private entity that operates our electric grid.
    Emily Scarr, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
  • Despite having a poor 2024 season that saw the Pirates remove Bednar from the closer role, the right-hander is back to his dominant form.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even if the United States completes the modernization as planned, the country’s arsenal will still be insufficient to confront today’s and tomorrow’s nuclear challenges.
    VIPIN NARANG, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • The former governor complained on June 19 that the Board of Elections' plans to mitigate the heat were insufficient and demanded air conditioning in polling places.
    Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Does the Trump administration really want to sink that low?
    Louis Balsamo, Baltimore Sun, 25 June 2025
  • Al Bello/Getty Images Outside of the Giants' organization, expectations are low.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Furthermore, decades of secondary math teacher shortages means that many positions have been filled by individuals teaching on substandard credentials who have inadequate preparation in math or pedagogy or both.
    Linda Darling-Hammond, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Physical health plays a crucial role too -- being overweight and having inadequate physical activity can negatively impact fertility.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scarce

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