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

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 uncommon Players being paid over a long period of time isn’t uncommon in MLB, with contracts often deferring money down the line. Allen Kim, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 The storms are not uncommon for this time of year, as July is still in D.C.'s severe weather season. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 For centuries, living long enough to become a great-grandparent was uncommon. Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 30 June 2025 Every great American story is sentimental in the same way: instincts born out of struggle, the triumph of the schoolyard over the classroom, uncommon creativity driven by necessity. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
Adjective
  • There was an unusual silence surrounding Sacramento’s apparent acquisition of Dennis Schroder on Monday after the Kings reportedly reached an agreement with the free agent point guard.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • Thanks to the rapid ascension of brands like Ganni and Saks Potts in recent years, Danish fashion has become a global sensation with its unusual silhouettes, playful colors and patterns, and effortless, bike-ready vibe.
    Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • LPTs are a new and rare group of cosmic objects discovered in 2022.
    Mia Thurow, USA Today, 26 June 2025
  • Among the most notable highlights: Providence in Hollywood earned its third star, while Somni, in West Hollywood, made a stunning debut with three stars—a rare and remarkable feat.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • These bargain hunters will sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to find a deal.
    Linnea Geiss, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The book chronicles Rajamani’s extraordinary survival from a massive brain hemorrhage at age 25, tackling themes of disability, race, and cultural taboos.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The night before the baby junco landed in the research team’s net, a strange, shifting light filtered through the forest, not far from where the Long Trail, Vermont’s end-to-end hiking route, traverses the Mount Mansfield ridgeline.
    Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
  • But one of the strangest well wishes came not from a person, but a 1,400-foot-tall building.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • On the pitching side, Tampa Bay’s greatest advantage has been exceptional durability.
    Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Danny Boyle is a director known for his exceptional use of music to score key — and now iconic — scenes in his films.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Much like his character, Boyce is mild-mannered, kind and effortlessly funny.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • The Target jokes stopped being funny when, in 2023, right-wing social-media attacks on its Pride collection got so bad that the company pulled some of the items from its stores, citing threats to employees.
    Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bouygues-Murphy The central tunnel's three-lane design is notable for a unique underdeck systems arrangement.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • While all the locations will have signature LPM dishes, each of the new openings will be unique.
    Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes your audio is all screwed up and echoing, there are weird pauses everywhere, and nothing interesting gets said.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • People talk about uncanny valley in terms of the look of these robots – there’s kind of a weird uncanny valley thing going on as well with AI artwork.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

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