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 Jarrett, at 360 pounds, then ran 70 yards to the end zone to pull off arguably the most uncommon touchdown of the game. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025 Conjuring the troubled inner life of a young, beautiful and successful Buenos Aires fashion designer with an uncommon mix of stylistic rigor and feeling, the film frays your nerves. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Sep. 2025 While that isn't good news, delays like this are not uncommon. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025 Though uncommon, some manufacturers incorporate a small pocket in their sheets that can be used to hold a TV remote, reading material or even a small tablet. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
Adjective
  • This is an unusual feature for a screen that’s designed for color-critical design tasks.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • When Macron was here, Mick Jagger was there with his girlfriend, which is quite unusual.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • About 18 vehicles, including a number of rare barn find cars, were auctioned from the collection.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That kind of attention feels rare now.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These systems offer extraordinary capabilities for climate modeling, resource optimization and ecological monitoring.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • But parents still have extraordinary power and influence to help their sons navigate the confusing digital messaging onslaught found on their social media feeds.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The combination of strange comments, a clear lack of education and experience, and a disturbing personal history with mental health struggles and domestic problems doomed his campaign.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Coon admitted that their daughter has also taken up a strange favorite film.
    Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The plane, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, offers exceptional performance and durability.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Understanding the mechanics behind these exceptional arms can also be applied to neuroscience and could lead to more robots inspired by these adaptable creatures.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Zambians are warm, funny, proud.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Darkly funny and deeply melancholic, the film turns the family estate into a pressure cooker of grief, grudges and reluctant affection.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After the shell is created, it is filled with a unique silicone gel, which helps give the implant a soft, natural look and feel.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Hilfigers have lived in many places from Manhattan to the Caribbean island of Mustique, and each of their homes is different and exudes a unique approach to design and life.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The second reason is that these aura battler designs were very complex and full of curves as well as weird angles.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Things get weird, however, when the lines between science fiction and fantasy start to blur.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

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