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
• offbeat
• singular
• out-of-the-way
• abnormal
• unaccustomed
• uncustomary
• remarkable
• eccentric
• exceptional
• noticeable
• queer
• atypical
• outlandish
• noteworthy
• outré
• oddball
• notable
• particular
• aberrant
• newsworthy
• far-out
• way-out
• kookie
• irregular
• kooky

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

In April, Tarrant County Commissioners began an uncommon mid-decade redistricting process, hiring the Public Interest Legal Foundation to assist. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025

With the way the idol industry works, that’s not necessarily uncommon for groups who are that far into their existence. —Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 22 May 2025

Incidents like these are not uncommon, said Mary Schiavo, a CNN transportation analyst and former inspector general of the US Department of Transportation. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 May 2025

Then again, this drought is uncommon for the 22-year-old center fielder. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025