RARELY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

rarely

adverb

ˈrer-lē

Definition of rarely

as in seldom

not often summer thunderstorms occur only rarely along the Oregon coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rarely What Shippers Should Take From This For companies choosing a logistics partner in a volatile market, Schulz’s experience points to criteria that rarely appear on a procurement scorecard. — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Competitive decline rarely happens from a dramatic collapse, but rather through incremental decisions that gradually make a system less attractive to exceptional people. — John A. Quelch, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026 Much like in Qusra, violent settlers rarely face arrest by Israeli police or prosecution in Israeli courts. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 What People Say Is Only the Beginning One of the central lessons of Gray’s career is that the visible transaction rarely tells the entire story. — Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rarely

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rarely

seldom

Adverb

These days it is seldom seen, with scouting resource and social media so prevalent, for the majority to be so unaware of the next young talent.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
While the group is nominally focused on promoting the relationship between the United States and Israel, its advertising focus seldom mentions Israel.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of seldom

Browse Nearby Words

rarefied

rarely

rareness

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“Rarely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rarely. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rarely

adverb

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