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 Flowers nearly cover the plant in spring, followed by sporadic blooms throughout the season. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2025 Humberto Leon, of Opening Ceremony, acted as something of a business mentor; Jennifer Sabel, a casting director and longtime friend, provided sporadic, informal investments—a couple thousand dollars here and there, with no strings attached. Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025 Over in Grand Rapids, there’s sporadic pushback on fluoridation, said water system manager Wayne Jernberg. Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025 At the time, the Free Press said Kimmel was referencing the sporadic violence that happened in 1984 after the Detroit Tigers won the World Series. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sporadic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic
Adjective
  • Front man Coleman cuts a tall, brooding figure, saving his emotions for his vocal delivery and occasional pronouncements on the importance of faith.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Sticky snow covered the branches, along with occasional yellow dots of llao llao, an edible fungus native to the region.
    Scott Yorko, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Battery energy storage systems that suck up cheap power during periods of low demand, then discharge it at a profit during periods of high demand, are considered critical with the rise of intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The former dancer found success in intermittent fasting, eating clean foods, going for long walks daily and taking workout classes with the Fitbit app.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • On Saturday, his performance was erratic, with a mistake leading to the fifth goal scored by Antoine Griezmann.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The tourism industry has had to adjust to fallout of tariffs, inflation and erratic gas prices.
    Carol Cain, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Sources close to the couple said the breakup was far from sudden.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Storms, on the other hand, usually show more irregular shapes, often with strong echoes and rapid changes in intensity, and are accompanied by other weather signals like clouds, lightning and precipitation.
    Brandi D. Addison, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In perimenopause, women can experience irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and problems with sleep.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sporadic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sporadic. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sporadic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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