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 What To Know On Tuesday afternoon, sporadic thunderstorm- and flood-related alerts were in place across the central portion of the U.S. Alerts across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions were far more widespread. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 North Texas has seen sporadic rainfall this summer along with hot and sunny weather. Brayden Garcia july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025 Coaches and players who had meticulously calibrated fitness programs for 2024 were forced into an extended holding pattern, trying to maintain sharpness through sporadic friendlies and local camps. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 However, with Brooks Lee, Kody Clemens and Lewis receiving the bulk of the playing time, at-bats became more sporadic for Bride, who only had eight hits in his last 58 at-bats for the Twins. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sporadic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic
Adjective
  • Ozzy also did his own occasional tours, including a stop at the Bradley Center on Dec. 14 of that year.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
  • Here, the car continues to be well-mannered, though the occasional dab for power triggers an overeager automatic into dropping a gear or two, sending the V12 into a fury.
    Alex Kalogiannis, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Dietary changes such as intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, and ketogenic diet with regular exercise can prevent MASH or delay its progression.
    Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 12 July 2025
  • There’s a reason for that: Fire hose again, coupled with intermittent kinks and leaks.
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even if that happens, however, Sternberg would still receive the 2025 World Series trophy if the Rays rebound from an erratic first half to win their first world championship.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • There is yet another small chance for thunderstorms this afternoon, ten percent likelihood or less, with the main threats of any storms that are able to develop being lightning and gusty and erratic outflow winds.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • The tragedy in Ruidoso highlights growing concerns about increasingly intense weather systems striking communities with little time to prepare for sudden surges of water.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • In one particularly raw moment, a woman studying the photographs let out a sudden shriek.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • This model features fall detection, irregular heart rate and rhythm notifications, and access to virtually the same apps.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
  • Surveillance flights over the property detected an irregular field behind the house.
    Ana María Cañizares, CNN Money, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sporadic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sporadic. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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