seldom 1 of 2

adverb

ˈsel-dəm How to pronounce seldom (audio)
Definition of seldomnext
as in rarely
not often we seldom go to the theater downtown because its prices are so high

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seldom

2 of 2

adjective

as in unusual

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 seldom
Adverb
Since the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, began in 1987, human rights organizations have documented how seldom investigations into Israeli soldiers’ killings of Palestinians resulted in prosecution. — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 Scholars of her work have debated why women seldom take center stage. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 In the past, mental health and the lingering effects of trauma were seldom discussed among members of the department. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026 Starting in 1973, when Landry hired him to be his wide receivers coach, Ditka started a pathway to a level of fame players and coaches seldom achieve. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seldom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seldom
  1. rarely
  2. unusual
  3. uncommon
  4. infrequent
  5. rare
  6. extraordinary
  7. unfamiliar
Adverb
  • Because of its proportional representation system – voters cast one vote for a national party-list – even the largest parties rarely win more than 35 seats, and Israel has always had coalition governments.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Many before and since have grappled with the price of salvation, but rarely has such a theologically vast decision felt this intimate.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of rarely
Adjective
  • Six months after Vincent’s suicide, Theo died from the ravages of syphilis, leaving Jo a young widow with a baby to support, not much money, and an unusual inheritance—Vincent’s paintings—more than 400 in total.
    — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
  • While his neighbors weren’t alarmed enough by the unusual sight to call security, Abrams wasn’t as lucky during filming at Radford Studios in Studio City.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Although chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy is now standard treatment for advanced SCLC, long-lasting responses remain uncommon.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Most theme puzzles contain sets that are visually identifiable to solvers because of either the arrangement of their entries or an uncommon clue feature like italics or brackets.
    — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • But these infrequent episodes ultimately didn’t sway my stance.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Goldenvoice’s Head Trip, the third offering in the Coachella promoter’s infrequent time-capsule series (following Desert Trip and Power Trip), is a two-day electronic music summit slated to take over the Empire Polo Club in Indio this weekend.
    — Niyaz Pirani, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of infrequent
Adjective
  • In a recent rare interview with chum Matthew McConaughey, Bryan suggested that his songwriting-and-touring tear since leaving the Navy may be coming to a close soon.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But these mergers are far too rare to explain the abundance of heavier elements in the universe.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • View gallery - 4 images For all the extraordinary things that consumer 3D printers can produce, changing color has remained a surprisingly messy business.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Explore its waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic landscapes, and treat any aurora sightings as an extraordinary bonus.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • The fourth grader and other students hid in an unfamiliar room for about 30 minutes as gunshots erupted nearby.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Also, look for unfamiliar providers or incorrect information in your medical records.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar

Browse Nearby Words

seizures
seldom
select
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Cite this Entry

“Seldom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seldom. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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