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

Feldotto shared a video of the uncommon catch on Instagram, saying she was stunned when the lobster appeared in her trap. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 24 July 2026

In mountain communities like Crestline, where bears regularly roam neighborhoods in search of food, encounters with people are not uncommon, though one wandering into an office building is considerably more unusual. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026

The biggest risk is for visitors to fungal-thriving places such as the San Joaquin Valley or Phoenix, who then return home to communities where valley fever is uncommon or nonexistent, such as the East Coast, Midwest or San Francisco. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Such changes are not all that uncommon, network-affiliate fee negotiations reflecting one of the pressure points of the station business. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 July 2026