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

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 uncommon Cracked transmission cases and floor panels siliconed in place aren’t uncommon, particularly as more cars are imported from south of the border, says Frank. —

Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024 Changes in Appetite Appetite changes aren’t uncommon for CBD users. —

Amplified Content Studio, The Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2024 Musical productions with cannibalism as part of the story line are uncommon but not without precedent: years before creating South Park, writers Matt Parker and Trey Stone created a stage production called Cannibal! —

Bill Kopp, SPIN, 25 Nov. 2024 This kind of trajectory isn’t uncommon with dementia, an umbrella term for a loss of cognitive functioning that impacts a person’s memory, language skills, behavior, mood, and personality. —

Jessie Van Amburg, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for uncommon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon

Adjective

While most incidents have come in New Jersey, other states, including Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, have also reported unusual drone activity to law enforcement.

Maya Homan, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
But when physicians look at a pool of unusual test results, the chaotic sequencing pattern could flag whether something more serious may be going on and the mother could benefit from additional testing, Bianchi said.

Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024