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 Even among remaining wine consumers, weekly drinkers are shrinking while infrequent, special-occasion drinkers are growing. —

Erica Duecy, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 And, historically, price drops here tend to be minimal and infrequent. —

Matt Richardson, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026 Underwatering occurs when watering is too infrequent, stressing roots and leaves and slowing growth across the entire plant system. —

Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026 Both Siegel and Islam said beta blockers can be safely used for anxiety as needed and can be helpful to address infrequent anxiety-inducing events, like a major presentation or big speech. —

Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infrequent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infrequent

occasional

Adjective

Scam centers proliferating as criminal gangs flout laws In Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, a failure to consistently enforce laws against human trafficking, labor abuses and criminal activities have allowed cyber-scam centers to flourish despite occasional crackdowns, the report noted.

— Elaine Kurtenbach, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
While occasional scooting can happen, recurring episodes usually signal an underlying issue with anal glands.

— Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 5 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 6 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of infrequent

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