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 next

as in occasional

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

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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 During her mother’s infrequent visits, Eileen was to treat her with no more than polite formality. —

Literary Hub, 8 May 2026 The budget carrier even got a mention in their wedding ceremony, which came 10 months after the engagement — even though the flights slowly became more infrequent as Spirit upped the cost to an eventual $200 price tag. —

Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026 Prevent grubs by maintaining strong grass roots with deep, infrequent watering and avoiding over-fertilizing. —

Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026 Mowing is infrequent, and no fertilization is required. —

Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infrequent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infrequent

occasional

Adjective

The concentrated schedule created a sense of occasion and urgency that is diluted when games are spread across Thursdays, occasional Wednesdays, Friday holidays, Saturday nights, Sunday mornings and multiple streaming-exclusive windows.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
This is a play that takes young people and their problems seriously, while incorporating occasional humor into the script and direction.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 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 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of infrequent

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