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

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 uncommon Leaders need uncommon levels of physical and mental stamina — and not in short bursts, but continuously. Suzy Welch, CNBC, 17 June 2025 To reach Mars, future astronauts will need to maintain uncommon levels of cheer in situations both terrifying and boring. Erin Berger, The Atlantic, 17 June 2025 People should also realize that, according to the American Psychological Association, violent acts are relatively uncommon among people with serious mental illnesses. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025 Disagreeing with your boss is not uncommon, but there are ways to make your criticism stick without involving others—in this case, the American public. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
Adjective
  • Is there a relationship between writing and fiction and unusual height?
    Jane Smiley June 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
  • An unusual addition to a historic cityscape courtesy of artist Jason Jones.
    David Morgan, CBS News, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Accidents in that phase of flight are rare, said Paul Hayes, safety director at UK consultancy Cirium Ascend.
    Allison Lampert, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • But similar events have been fairly rare in the United States.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Dominican Republic had a moment of its own to celebrate in the 51st minute, though its first-ever Gold Cup goal came in strange circumstances.
    Jon Arnold, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • That made eating food feel physically overwhelming, which has been one of the stranger parts of his experience.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.
    Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ramsey’s memoir is a moving, sometimes funny story about destruction, change and rebirth, told by a woman tempered by fire.
    Laurie Hertzel, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • Roman is my kind of Virgil—chatty, funny, forgiving, sharp.
    Marina Harss, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bo's Bird Dogs are actually chicken tenders dressed up like a dog, giving it a unique Carolina twist.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
  • The mayoral primary’s two leading candidates — one a fresh-faced progressive and the other an older moderate — could be stand-ins for the larger Democratic Party’s ideological divide, though Cuomo’s scandal-scarred past adds a unique tinge to the narrative.
    Anthony Izaguirre, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • More Getty Images Adam Scott's weird practice round revealed As Scott prepares for the final showdown, a viral video has added much more interest in his golf swing.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Plus there are the weird noises coming from a locked backroom upstairs.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

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