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 Situations like Thomas’ are relatively new and uncommon in the US, according to Betsy Fisher, an immigration lawyer and lecturer in refugee law at the University of Michigan Law School. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 8 July 2025 In each, the combination of spirited movement (by Barnes) and gently confessional text (by Saenz de Viteri) in an uncommon, often rarefied, space reliably produced an unforgettable experience that somehow managed to be both deeply insightful and simply a delight. Brian Schaefer july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025 While that scuffle wasn’t entirely uncommon for the perpetually clashing Gallaghers, the incident ended with Oasis breaking up indefinitely. Paula Mejía, Vulture, 5 July 2025 Denver requires uncommon health for a third straight season — looking at you, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, Evan Engram and J.K. Dobbins. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
Adjective
  • Bringing together wildlife filmmaking with reality competition is unusual.
    Peter White, Deadline, 14 July 2025
  • The sale prices reflect the unusual situation of a large company buying several houses that weren't listed for sale − with plans to demolish or move them to help assemble the development site, said Didier, who operates a Re/Max franchise.
    Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • In rare cases, EU countries may allow the customer to pay import VAT as a fallback, but this will only apply if explicitly permitted by the Member State—and only in exceptional situations.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Because the only thing better than designer, is rare, vintage designer.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • The path to extraordinary results starts with recognizing what already comes naturally to you.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Getty Images/Warren Little The World No. 1 will have the extraordinary chance to complete it on his 30th birthday, as his birthday, June 21, coincides with the final round of next year's US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Roman looks for instability in the first stars Perhaps the most exciting cosmic explosion discovery that Roman could make would be the observation of the strange explosive death of the universe's first stars.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 July 2025
  • That same day, the AI chatbot Grok, which is controlled by Musk’s xAI, kicked off its own strange Epstein tirade.
    John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Made from ultra-soft leather with precision stitching, this Malbon golf glove delivers exceptional grip and comfort with a super elegant appeal, with its magnetic button closure.
    Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025
  • Looking at data statewide, more half of Texas three months ago was in severe, extreme or exceptional (level 4 of 4) drought.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • His voice is too funny, too smart and too important to go quietly into the night.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
  • But a funny thing happened on the way to this flexible-rate nirvana.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • As always, however, IT leaders will need to balance their deployment plans with cost-management efforts that address the unique capabilities of agentic AI.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Celebrities who previously wouldn’t have considered cutting their long hair have now taken the plunge, including Nicole Kidman and Pamela Anderson, both of whom debuted unique renditions of the look at the 2025 Met Gala.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Though country rock at their core, Roadhouse Band songs are flush with woodwinds and pedal steel, weird horns and synthesizers.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2025
  • And that’s exactly the kind of weird the planet needs.
    Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

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