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
  • The bill, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, passed with unanimous consent – a rare occurrence for substantive legislation.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 May 2025
  • This rare, hands-on recording museum highlights the sonic legacy of guitar god Les Paul.
    Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • The film chronicles the extraordinary story of a group of inmates who defied the odds to create a timeless piece of art.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
  • Despite these challenges, U.S. nonprofits do extraordinary things.
    Kendra Davenport, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The long strange trip is proving to be even longer than anyone thought.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Because of this strange clustering, the Atlantic Shark Institute has posted signs around Narragansett alerting beachgoers to be on the lookout.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The companies that invest in neurodiversity today are unlocking game-changing innovation, future-proofing their organizations and setting a new standard for what an exceptional workplace looks like.
    Ben Semmes, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • To win the event, Scheffler compensated with his exceptional iron play (1.189 strokes gained approaching the green) and his skills around the green (1.208 strokes gained).
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut.
    Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025
  • That’s not to say the film isn’t funny or sweet, but that there is something much more profound and uncomfortable at its heart, and one that poses a tricky challenge for first-time filmmakers Johansson and Kamen.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 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
  • Just a weird observation about the oscillator that is worth pointing out.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 21 May 2025
  • His monsters are inventive and weird — and almost endlessly memeable.
    Sam Thielman, New York Times, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncommon

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