Synonym Chooser

How is the word sporadic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sporadic are infrequent, rare, scarce, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When is it sensible to use infrequent instead of sporadic?

Although the words infrequent and sporadic have much in common, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

When is rare a more appropriate choice than sporadic?

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

rare first editions

Where would scarce be a reasonable alternative to sporadic?

While the synonyms scarce and sporadic are close in meaning, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When would uncommon be a good substitute for sporadic?

The synonyms uncommon and sporadic are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 sporadic Although Newsom and Bass have criticized the immigration raids, which led to protests and sporadic violent attacks against law enforcement officials, both have repeatedly urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 The duo was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, and while Nikki has made sporadic appearances, Brie has not wrestled since the 2022 Women's Royal Rumble match. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 Though sporadic dating and meaningless flings are common, many high-profile individuals lead a life defined by loneliness, struggling to find a connection with purpose and intention. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Iran needs nuclear energy to meet the demands of its growing population; sporadic blackouts are already commonplace. Robin Wright, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sporadic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic
Adjective
  • Colorado and Arizona State offer little more than an occasional flash.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • Although access is limited, occasional special tours allow visitors to glimpse the staggering quantity of bullion stored below ground.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • That amounts to success through delay—a repeatable outcome, sustained through intermittent precision attacks.
    David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Despite the relentless pre-match hype montages, intermittent deluges of FIFA self-congratulation and the blasting of Robbie Williams’ hilariously self-parodic tournament theme song at half-time.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Trump’s erratic approach to trade is converging with other economic and technological policies to undermine the United States’ preeminent role.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • The fact that the story works at all despite its bizarre tonal shifts and erratic pacing is a testament to how strong the game’s themes and characterization truly are.
    Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Talks with different countries are ongoing, but are subject to sudden changes in direction.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Sharif was shaken by the drastic shift in his wife’s priorities, and her sudden dissatisfaction with their life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • For a 10-year-old girl, ovarian dysfunction could mean trouble going through puberty, irregular menstrual cycles, or even acne.
    Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • The disagreement is emblematic of a long-running complaint from the southern European states over irregular migration governance around the continent.
    Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sporadic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sporadic. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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