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

Examples 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 infrequent Even in areas that did have regulations, the reports were often infrequent or incomplete; the UC Riverside researchers are working on expanding the few accurate monitoring systems put in place in Southern California by proactive growers. Caroline Marshall Reinhart, WIRED, 21 Sep. 2024 But even in a genre that deals with fairies and dragons, characters of color are still infrequent. Marina E. Franco (noticias Telemundo For Axios), Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 Everything to know about the Glendale hotel Kamala Harris aims new jobs and investment agenda at Latino men Is an infrequent train a 'material and adverse' fact that must be disclosed in home sale? Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024 But Trump was able to turn out infrequent voters there in 2020, and did well in much of the rest of the state, which is rural and more conservative. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for infrequent 

Thesaurus Entries Near infrequent

Cite this Entry

“Infrequent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infrequent. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on infrequent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!