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 Since the government shutdown began two weeks ago, sporadic staffing issues have led to flight delays at various airports across the country, but overall, the aviation system has performed at normal levels of both timeliness and safety. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 The leading edge of the storm will begin producing sporadic showers late Monday night, followed by the core of the system on Tuesday. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Oct. 2025 The Afghan and Pakistani governments have tried to mend the relationship in recent years, despite sporadic clashes and ongoing points of diplomatic tension. Zia Ur-Rehman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Trump’s April health report was the first extensive report on his health since 2018, though there were sporadic updates in the past few years. Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sporadic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic
Adjective
  • While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.
    Maddie McGay, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Daily and nightly tours now offer visitors its complex history, along with an occasional paranormal scare.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So, too, the hold Catholicism has on him, still (with intermittent lapses).
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Sheriff’s officials said in a Tuesday evening Facebook post that there is a 75% chance of more rain Wednesday, including mostly intermittent heavy thunderstorms with the potential for winds of up to 50 mph and quarter-inch hail.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His ball location has been erratic, and his decision-making still isn’t there.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Another investigation is looking into Tesla's limited Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, where passengers reported erratic driving and speeding — even with human safety drivers onboard.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The result was a sudden and deep selloff among regional banks, drawing comparisons to the churn of the 2023 banking crisis that consumed Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic.
    Hugh Son, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Whereas standard Tencel fiber is cut one length, resulting in smooth and shiny fabrics, HV100 is made with various fiber lengths, giving final garments a more irregular and less shiny appearance akin to cotton.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Often one of the first signs of perimenopause women notice, according to Minkin, is irregular periods or menstrual cycle changes.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sporadic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sporadic. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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