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 Mitnaul said that sadly, animals being left behind in properties is not uncommon. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 Unfortunately, stories like Aspen’s aren’t uncommon. Allison Danielsen, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025 According to the outlet, incidents in the area are not entirely uncommon, and police often patrol to make sure pedestrians do not breach the wall protecting the perimeter of the ancient monument. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Kids playing hide-and-seek in cemeteries and teenagers drinking beer at night weren’t uncommon, Molloy said. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
Adjective
  • Bessent, who specialized in foreign exchange in a decades-long hedge fund career, organized a $20 billion foreign-exchange swap with Argentina’s central bank earlier this month — an unusual structure that bypassed the US Federal Reserve, which is typically the lead party in such arrangements.
    Daniel Flatley, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Tucked away in a couple of buildings in Old Town are rows upon rows of colorful artwork, which is not especially unusual for the state historic park.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While still rare, most airplane incidents occur while the aircraft is taking off or landing.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In a rare moment of impressive hosting, Vanessa Lachey pointed out that Edmond's traumatic childhood and upbringing might result in him only focusing on the positive memories and blocking out any negative memories as a coping mechanism.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This secluded, 75-acre Relais & Châteaux property — the first in North America – seamlessly blends rustic simplicity with extraordinary pampering.
    Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Jennifer Hudson continues to inspire with her extraordinary talent and authenticity; Salli Richardson-Whitfield has evolved into one of the most dynamic directors and executive producers working in television today; and Damson Idris embodies the brilliance and promise of a new generation.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Silver Bullet The idea of league partners doing journalism is always a strange subject.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Years later, now a lawyer, Andi wins a radio contest where the host, Jake (Romaine Waite), turns the story of the sleigh bell and stranger into a segment, as listeners help track down her mystery man before Christmas.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The lounge feels like a five-star hotel with fine dining (don’t miss the schnitzel), an exceptional whiskey bar, and plush daybeds and showers.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Native throughout eastern North America, arrowwood viburnum provides exceptional wildlife value through nectar-rich spring blooms and late season blue-black fruits.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is less spooky and more funny.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Musical inspiration can be a funny thing.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its unique formula can remove stains, dissolve adhesives, and cut through soap scum and grease.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
  • This Boll & Branch set stands apart because of a unique double-button detail and eyelet hemstitching.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, as Cawsey points out, the legend of Tutivillus itself was like good gossip—colorful, wicked, and weird.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Kinda weird that arguably the best episode of the season featured not one, but two extended scenes of players fishing, but whatevs.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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