UNCOMMON Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

uncommon

adjective

ˌən-ˈkä-mən

Definition of uncommon next

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary a landscape of uncommon beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rare

noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced backyard swimming pools are not an uncommon sight in that neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Baldwin’s situation is not uncommon in North Carolina. —

Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2025 Joe Skipper | Reuters Delays, technical difficulties and failures are not uncommon in inaugural rocket missions. —

Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025 Ina calls for two kinds of chocolate: semi-sweet (specifically Hershey’s chips) and unsweetened chocolate, extra-large eggs (her preferred, and uncommon, egg size), plus instant coffee granules and vanilla to boost the flavor of the chocolate. —

Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025 Many of the rich and powerful people who occupy these spaces have uncommon valuables. —

Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for uncommon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon

Adjective

While some of the operations may not have been unusual, ICE averaged 311 daily arrests in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. — Associated Press Trump says inflation isn’t his No. 1 issue.

— Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2025
Hegseth showed up in person for the vote, which is unusual.

— Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025