1
2

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 Growers and labor contractors were buying up single-family homes and motels — often the residence of last resort for people on the verge of homelessness — making housing even more scarce for low-wage workers living in the region year-round. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025 There is a wide range of goods that U.S.-based sellers import from China and that are most at risk of becoming scarce because of the trade war. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 6 May 2025 Unsurprisingly, $1 million starter homes are concentrated in states with large urban hubs where land is scarce and housing inventory is limited. Mike Winters, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025 On the other hand, a practice of resource assessment and sharing, even when resources are scarce, would operate from an abundance mindset. Eric Crosby, Artforum, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce
Adjective
  • The production must be sparse, so the vocal isn’t overpowered.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
  • While details are sparse, the agreement would keep a blanket 10% levy on British imports.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The product was released in 2023 to a poor reception, and discontinued before the company began winding down operations in February.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 24 May 2025
  • The original doesn’t go that deeply into it, but this poor girl was essentially forced to be a teen mom at this time in her life when all of her friends would be graduating high school and dating and thinking about their futures.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that a black bear hunt is necessary to reduce their numbers to maintain a healthy population and protect their habitat.
    Grant Gelhardt, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
  • The current proposal to raise the cap from $10,000 to $30,000 is deemed insufficient by these lawmakers, who argue for a higher threshold to benefit their constituents.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Abarth is low cost, high return and should be encouraged.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • China's retail sales disappoint Retail sales in China grew 5.1% in April from a year earlier, lower than the 5.5% expected by a Reuters poll and March's figure of 5.9%, suggesting the spending habits of consumers are still muted.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 23 May 2025
  • When their work is considered inadequate, a perfectionistic leader’s anger can threaten psychological safety in the workplace.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scarce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!