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Synonym Chooser

How is the word scarce distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of scarce are infrequent, rare, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When might infrequent be a better fit than scarce?

In some situations, the words infrequent and scarce are roughly equivalent. However, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of scarce?

The meanings of rare and scarce largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When is it sensible to use sporadic instead of scarce?

While the synonyms sporadic and scarce are close in meaning, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When would uncommon be a good substitute for scarce?

While in some cases nearly identical to scarce, uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

Example 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 scarce Especially with minutes being scarce now that Dennis Schröder has occupied the backup point guard duties. Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025 In a fragmented media landscape where attention is scarce, AI offers brands a clear pathway to stay relevant and resilient—one hyper-personalized campaign at a time. Jeremy Barnett, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Though details surrounding the record are scarce, the singer revealed that her ninth album will feature 13 original tracks and is executive produced by Cyrus and Shawn Everett, who previously worked with Kacey Musgraves and Alabama Shakes. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025 The 2022 lawsuit ended with a settlement, about which details have been scarce — until Ben & Jerry's filed its November 2024 lawsuit. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce
Adjective
  • Prevent seeds from establishing by maintaining a healthy lawn, stop seed germination with pre-emergent herbicides, Maintain a Healthy Lawn Dandelions thrive in thin, sparse lawns and garden beds.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The trend left a lasting impact on Marchand and others in her generation who were left with sparse, barely-there brows.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Road conditions are rapidly deteriorating, with the percentage of roads in poor condition expected to double in two years.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Some parents worry that Alexa's high tolerance for rudeness instills poor behavior in their kids, according to Quartz.
    Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Significant obstacles remain: insufficient private investment, market fragmentation across 27 member states, and regulatory complexity could undermine Europe's ambitions.
    Federico Guerrini, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The representation of female directors in the five major film festivals, however, is still below 30%, according to the study, while recognition at top awards show such as the Oscars is still insufficient.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The survey's measure of consumer sentiment dropped to a level lower than at any point during the Great Recession.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Trust Is Built In Small Moments Like This For a co-op like Cabot Creamery, maintaining consumer trust means being transparent—even when the stakes are low.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Crafting the right prompt can mean the difference between receiving valuable output that streamlines your workflow or an inadequate response that leaves you frustrated.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Outside of ace Garrett Crochet, whose 1.38 ERA is currently eighth in MLB and third in the AL, Red Sox starters have been inadequate to say the least, with a collective 4.55 ERA — 22nd in MLB — and just four wins against eight defeats.
    Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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