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

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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 Even infrequent exposure to high levels of air pollution increases people’s risk of cardiovascular damage. — Richard Marcantonio, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 Calls home are a boon, but infrequent, because satellite phone time is limited and expensive. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 July 2026 The shooting took place in a country with far stronger gun laws compared to the US and where mass shootings are infrequent. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 12 July 2026 Aim for steady hydration instead of large, infrequent amounts. — Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for infrequent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infrequent

occasional

Adjective

La Liga is a two-horse race, with occasional Atletico Madrid interruptions; Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga are Parisian and Bavarian cakewalks with rare exceptions.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
The kids in The Shards might benefit from an occasional watchful eye, if only their parents weren’t vacationing in Europe indefinitely.

— Rob Haskell, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of occasional

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infrequency

infrequent

infrequently

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“Infrequent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infrequent. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of infrequent

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