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
• queer
• eccentric
• exceptional
• noticeable
• atypical
• outlandish
• noteworthy
• outré
• oddball
• notable
• particular
• aberrant
• newsworthy
• far-out
• way-out
• kooky
• kookie
• irregular

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

As Castle Rock’s misunderstood bad boy with a heart of gold, River Phoenix, older brother of Joaquin, imbued Chris with an uncommon depth. —Sezin Devi Koehler September 1, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025

That was the primary response from my community, because this is not an uncommon story. —Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 Sep. 2025

As the data show, split sovereign credit ratings are not at all uncommon in Africa. —Ann Rutledge, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Even the cause of death is unknown, though the deaths of young children were not entirely uncommon at the time; three of William’s own sisters had died in childhood. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025