Synonyms of uncommon

uncommon

adjective

ˌən-ˈkä-mən 

1

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary

a landscape of uncommon beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• extraordinary
• exceptional
• unique
• rare
• abnormal
• odd
• outstanding
• remarkable
• singular
• exceeding
• atypical
• incredible
• anomalous
• peculiar
• phenomenal
• noticeable
• unwonted
• aberrant
• especial
• striking
• uncustomary
• notable
• prominent
• freak
• conspicuous
• preternatural
• salient
• aberrated
• strange
• bizarre
• eccentric
• extraordinaire
• inconceivable
• weird
• outlandish
• deviant
• incomprehensible
• quaint
• unthinkable
• unimaginable
• oddball
• freakish
• monstrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• normal
• typical
• ordinary
• usual
• customary
• unexceptional
• frequent
• familiar
• unextraordinary
• everyday

2

as in rare

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced

backyard swimming pools are not an uncommon sight in that neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unusual
• rare
• strange
• funny
• weird
• extraordinary
• peculiar
• curious
• unique
• odd
• bizarre
• special
• singular
• out-of-the-way
• abnormal
• unaccustomed
• remarkable
• uncustomary
• offbeat
• queer
• eccentric
• exceptional
• noticeable
• atypical
• noteworthy
• outlandish
• outré
• oddball
• notable
• particular
• aberrant
• far-out
• way-out
• kooky
• irregular
• newsworthy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• common
• ordinary
• usual
• plain
• normal
• typical
• unexceptional
• familiar
• regular
• predictable
• expected

Synonym Chooser

How is the word uncommon distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of uncommon are infrequent, rare, scarce, and sporadic. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

When could infrequent be used to replace uncommon?

In some situations, the words infrequent and uncommon are roughly equivalent. However, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

When would rare be a good substitute for uncommon?

The words rare and uncommon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When is it sensible to use scarce instead of uncommon?

While in some cases nearly identical to uncommon, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

In what contexts can sporadic take the place of uncommon?

The words sporadic and uncommon can be used in similar contexts, but sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of uncommon

While these systems are normal for Indiana in August, the amount of rainfall is uncommon. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 14 Aug. 2026

Steroid use in the ‘80s was not exactly uncommon, and the potential long-term effects of those drugs were still relatively unknown. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026

Ideally, the mother would be admitted with her baby, but mother-baby treatment units are uncommon in the US, which can be an obstacle to care, Leistikow said. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Rocklin police noted that while bear sightings there are relatively uncommon, wildlife can wander into residential areas searching for food and water, and pet owners should keep pets leashed and supervised outdoors. — Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026