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 While Miller has landed on the chart before – he’s actually scored just four smashes on the genre-specific tally – his appearances have been fairly sporadic. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 But the absence of The Rock—the catalyst of this entire turn—throughout the entire build of WrestleMania, mixed with the sporadic appearances from Cena, hurt the storytelling of what could have been a deeply complex villain. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Justin Turner has been among those helping Workman navigate his first experience with life in the big leagues and sporadic playing time. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025 Western parts of the state can expect lighter, more sporadic snowfall accumulations, the agency said. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sporadic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic
Adjective
  • The 31-year-old will provide reliability as a blocker, while serving as an occasional release valve over the middle.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Consistency turns occasional readers into followers who can predict your stance on related issues.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • According to devotees—especially followers of ketogenic and paleo diets or intermittent fasting—this intriguing combo boosts energy and concentration.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Over time, this loop of expectation and intermittent reward can create addictive behavioral patterns similar to those seen in gambling.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The president’s erratic policies are raising concerns the economy might be headed for a downturn, but history suggests that franchise values will continue to climb regardless.
    Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • On May 17, the sun will join forces with change-maker Uranus in Taurus, which is equivalent to a spontaneous, unpredictable or erratic shift that could feel like too much too soon.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • On April 28th, a sudden frequency drop in Spain’s power grid triggered cascading shutdowns, leaving millions without power.
    Mark Le Dain, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Then, all of a sudden, one of those teams had one of the top five players in the league fall right in its lap.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The irregular heartbeat — ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) — prevents blood from pumping to the brain causing a person to faint or sudden cardiac death.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Menstrual cycle issues can be caused by chronic or long-term stress that can lead to more severe premenstrual syndrome or irregular periods.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sporadic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sporadic. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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