INFREQUENT Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'infrequent' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of infrequent are rare , scarce , sporadic , and uncommon . While all these words mean "not common or abundant," infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time. // infrequent family visits

Q: In what contexts can 'rare' take the place of 'infrequent'?

The words rare and infrequent can be used in similar contexts, but rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value. // rare first editions

Q: When can 'scarce' be used instead of 'infrequent'?

In some situations, the words scarce and infrequent are roughly equivalent. However, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance. // jobs were scarce during the Depression

Q: When would 'sporadic' be a good substitute for 'infrequent'?

The meanings of sporadic and infrequent largely overlap; however, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts. // sporadic cases of influenza

Q: When could 'uncommon' be used to replace 'infrequent'?

Although the words uncommon and infrequent have much in common, uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation. // smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

infrequent

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈfrē-kwənt

Definition of infrequent

as in occasional

not often occurring or repeated a shut-in who made infrequent trips to the store

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word infrequent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of infrequent are rare, scarce, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of infrequent?

The words rare and infrequent can be used in similar contexts, but rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When can scarce be used instead of infrequent?

In some situations, the words scarce and infrequent are roughly equivalent. However, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When would sporadic be a good substitute for infrequent?

The meanings of sporadic and infrequent largely overlap; however, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When could uncommon be used to replace infrequent?

Although the words uncommon and infrequent have much in common, uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

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 infrequent Across two million cancellation surveys analyzed by Churnkey, budget accounted for about a third of cancellations and infrequent use for just under another third. — George Kapernaros, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026 Allen’s sister, Jody, had operated the team since Paul died in 2018, and both were known for their laissez-faire approach and infrequent public appearances. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 There is also optimism that El-Sayed's populist message can attract infrequent and new voters, especially young people. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 Studies across the tree of life are finding that genome duplication isn’t exactly an infrequent occurrence. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infrequent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infrequent

occasional

Adjective

With the Patriots and Bills accounting for four games on the schedule, the Jets can’t keep treating divisional victories as occasional breakthroughs.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
For most of human history, our Sun’s occasional tantrums have been of little concern to those of us living on Earth’s surface.

— Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of occasional

Browse Nearby Words

infrequency

infrequent

infrequently

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Infrequent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infrequent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of infrequent

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes