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 In April, Tarrant County Commissioners began an uncommon mid-decade redistricting process, hiring the Public Interest Legal Foundation to assist. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025 With the way the idol industry works, that’s not necessarily uncommon for groups who are that far into their existence. Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 Incidents like these are not uncommon, said Mary Schiavo, a CNN transportation analyst and former inspector general of the US Department of Transportation. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 Then again, this drought is uncommon for the 22-year-old center fielder. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
Adjective
  • But the boys also casually tell stories about the deprivations of their previous life, a reminder of how unusual their childhoods have been by American standards.
    Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sip rare rums at Dunn’s Rum Club in Jamaica Courtesy of Sandals Resorts Every trip deserves a good toast, and at Sandals Dunn’s River, the Rum Club knows precisely how to pour it.
    Sandals Resorts, AFAR Media, 2 June 2025
  • Season 7 provided a rare opportunity to keep this world for the fans while introducing new characters alongside some beloved favorites.
    Selome Hailu, Variety, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • According to the guide, restaurants have to be consistently extraordinary to garner three stars.
    Tulasi Srinivas, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
  • Davidson’s interior journey through grief is as extraordinary as the outer trek — both guide her towards thriving in an uncomfortable landscape.
    Bridget Crocker, People.com, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • After coming to the Mets at the trade deadline, Blackburn had a serious of strange injuries, getting hit by a line drive on his hand, and then suffering from a spinal fluid leak that required surgery.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • The dense central region — a strange melding of concentric bubbles and chaotic dusty structures imaged by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope — can also be spotted shining brightly at the heart of the image.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • The site is exceptional: The North Branch of the Chicago River winds through its full length, offering an opportunity to weave parkland through the development.
    Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • All of our leathers are carefully selected from the finest tanneries in the world for their exceptional quality and functional capability.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • There are enough quotable lines of dialogue in the movie’s first half to remind you why Succession was, pound for pound, one of the most profanely funny shows on TV during its run.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2025
  • Because to us, the most funny things are right next to the most tragic things.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • This is not unique to Arizona, Famiglietti said, with similar signs of disappearing groundwater happening in the agriculture-heavy Central Valley in California.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
  • But that physical training couldn’t prepare him for the unique psychological experience of reaching the top of the world--and then returning safely.
    Mark Joyella, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Historically, Nintendo has had a weird relationship with the internet.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
  • Can't wait for the weird personality quirks and side eye of judgment.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

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