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 McKinley lived at a time when economic recessions were not uncommon and anarchism was on the rise. Aroop Mukharji, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025 The uncommon celestial phenomenon, which Americans haven't had the opportunity to witness for nearly three years, can only occur when the moon is full and aligning perfectly with the Earth and sun. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 The use of chestnut casks is uncommon but not unheard of in Irish whiskey. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2025 Finally, slightly more uncommon plants are locked behind higher subscription rates. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
Adjective
  • As a result, Canadians have rejected American imports and issued other economic punishments in an unusual show of patriotism.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Network security also gets a significant upgrade with the help of AI. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) powered by AI monitor traffic in real time, can flag unusual patterns that might indicate a security breach.
    Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Boasting fresh restorations and rare screenings of difficult to get prints, past seasons have been devoted to filmmakers such as Douglas Sirk or studios such as last year’s retrospective, The Lady with the Torch, which celebrated the centenary of Columbia Pictures.
    John Bleasdale, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Situated on a rare half-acre-plus lot, this home offers unparalleled privacy and tranquility.
    Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Musk contributed nearly $300 million to elect Trump, but he and his businesses are primed to reap extraordinary profits from his actions as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • But the body itself has an extraordinary ability to heal.
    Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But a blinkered narrative coupled with misty-eyed aesthetic choices yield a strange and scattershot result.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • This is just a small sample of some of the strangest and most outlandish cameos Mario and his pals have ever made in a video game.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • One exceptional find this season is Ashlyn —founded by the South Korean designer Ashlynn Park—which had a number of looks on display in an art gallery in Paris’ first arrondissement.
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The core motion module is capable of a maximum joint torque of 300 N·m, a peak torque density of 203 N·m/kg, and exceptional mobility with a walking speed of 2 m/s, along with a natural human-like gait.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Know your audience—What one person finds funny, another might not.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Not the most memorable, but Myers’s flail-laughing at his own insufferable jokes remains a pretty funny encapsulation of Musk’s self-satisfied riffing.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • What makes the company special is its seamless blend of the two founders’ unique strengths and specialties, with one complementing the other without overpowering it.
    Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Throughout the film, these elite athletes who typically face off as opponents can be seen encouraging one another, sharing techniques, and leveraging each other’s unique strengths to elevate their individual games.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes and no, which is a really weird thing about me.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The weirdest thing about it relative to those older pre-M2 Airs is still the display notch, a small cutout at the top of the screen that houses the camera.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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