rarely/seldom if ever
idiom
—used as a more forceful way to say "rarely" or "seldom"
I have seldom if ever been so embarrassed.
Note: Rarely if ever and seldom if ever can be written both with or without commas
Such radical opinions have rarely, if ever, been heard here before.
She rarely if ever sings anymore.
Examples of rarely/seldom if ever in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some opted to run the systems this fall after planting cover crops, which is rarely if ever necessary.
—
Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024
One president Trump has rarely if ever mentioned: Grover Cleveland, the only president in U.S. history who lost his re-election bid and then came back four years later in 1892 to win the White House again.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
These crimes would rarely if ever result in death sentence if tried today.
—Brian Stull, TIME, 27 Sep. 2024
Even with an attorney negotiating on behalf of the talent, releases are one contract point that is rarely if ever negotiable.
—Legal Entertainment, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Because of its extended schedule, Fantasia screenings rarely if ever happen in the morning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2024
While deadly to birds, H5N1 in cows is relatively mild, rarely if ever causing deaths.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2024
Little is known about Adam who, unlike his older brother Corey, rarely if ever appeared on the History channel reality show, which debuted in 2009 and centers on the Harrison family’s World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, located on the Las Vegas Strip.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2024
Throughout his athletic career, Simpson had dabbled in acting and soon became a commercial pitchman at a time African American athletes rarely if ever got endorsement or merchandise deals.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
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.
Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024
One president Trump has rarely if ever mentioned: Grover Cleveland, the only president in U.S. history who lost his re-election bid and then came back four years later in 1892 to win the White House again.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024
These crimes would rarely if ever result in death sentence if tried today.
—Brian Stull, TIME, 27 Sep. 2024
Even with an attorney negotiating on behalf of the talent, releases are one contract point that is rarely if ever negotiable.
—Legal Entertainment, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
Because of its extended schedule, Fantasia screenings rarely if ever happen in the morning.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2024
While deadly to birds, H5N1 in cows is relatively mild, rarely if ever causing deaths.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2024
Little is known about Adam who, unlike his older brother Corey, rarely if ever appeared on the History channel reality show, which debuted in 2009 and centers on the Harrison family’s World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, located on the Las Vegas Strip.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2024
Throughout his athletic career, Simpson had dabbled in acting and soon became a commercial pitchman at a time African American athletes rarely if ever got endorsement or merchandise deals.
—Dakin Andone, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near rarely/seldom if ever
Cite this Entry
“Rarely/seldom if ever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarely%2Fseldom%20if%20ever. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share