Synonyms of infrequent

infrequent

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈfrē-kwənt 

as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated

a shut-in who made infrequent trips to the store

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occasional
• sporadic
• odd
• rare
• isolated
• unusual
• uncommon
• intermittent
• scarce
• few and far between
• scattered
• unique
• discontinuous
• irregular
• erratic
• spasmodic
• fitful
• spotty
• unsteady
• choppy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• frequent
• regular
• daily
• common
• ordinary
• routine

Synonym Chooser

How is the word infrequent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of infrequent are rare, scarce, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of infrequent?

The words rare and infrequent can be used in similar contexts, but rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When can scarce be used instead of infrequent?

In some situations, the words scarce and infrequent are roughly equivalent. However, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When would sporadic be a good substitute for infrequent?

The meanings of sporadic and infrequent largely overlap; however, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When could uncommon be used to replace infrequent?

Although the words uncommon and infrequent have much in common, uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of infrequent

Baltimore-area transit riders are asking state lawmakers to consider more funding to improve the region's transit system, which many find to be unreliable and too infrequent for their needs. —Natalie Jones, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2025

That’s encouraging because Niccol is trying to broaden Starbucks’ appeal and get more infrequent customers back. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025

Historically, matchups between these teams have been infrequent, mainly due to their conference alignment, but recent NFL scheduling changes have increased the frequency of these contests, with Super Bowl LIX marking their fifth meeting in just eight seasons. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025

These sharp, bracing periods are too infrequent, though, and the back half of the album drifts into a kind of vaporous dream state that verges on self-indulgent. —Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025