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Synonym Chooser

How is the word scarce distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of scarce are infrequent, rare, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When might infrequent be a better fit than scarce?

In some situations, the words infrequent and scarce are roughly equivalent. However, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of scarce?

The meanings of rare and scarce largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When is it sensible to use sporadic instead of scarce?

While the synonyms sporadic and scarce are close in meaning, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When would uncommon be a good substitute for scarce?

While in some cases nearly identical to scarce, 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 scarce The specific details of the agreement and plans for its execution remain scarce, and the deal faces several pitfalls before it can be declared a victory for the U.S. president. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Born and raised near the Amani neighborhood, Allen saw firsthand how residents were affected by high incarceration and scarce educational opportunities. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 23 Feb. 2025 Britain and France are at the forefront of the effort, though details remain scarce. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Track position is everything on a circuit as unforgiving as Monaco, where overtaking opportunities are scarce. Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce
Adjective
  • Research on caterpillar venoms is still sparse enough that no new drugs have resulted yet, but venoms of other organisms have yielded some important therapies.
    Bob Holmes, JSTOR Daily, 27 Feb. 2025
  • His words, though often sparse and cryptic, usually mattered more than those of his counterparts, fueling a political mystique of infallibility.
    Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • And another research team, using data from 2015 to 2022, observed in an article available in Energy Research and Social Science that poor income distribution correlates with social unrest when fossil fuel subsidies are removed.
    Aldo Flores-Quiroga, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • And poor work conditions can hurt morale in any field.
    Jeff Weiner, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With only 28 physicians per 10,000 people as of 2019, the current provider-to-patient ratio is insufficient, and The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.5 providers per 1,000 people are needed for adequate primary care.
    Waqaas Al-siddiq, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • And, according to Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the entitled Zelenskyy showed insufficient gratitude for the billions of dollars in U.S. aid that Ukraine has received following the Russian invasion.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making this a low-effort yet nutrient-dense option for meal prep or a cozy dinner.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Women are also approved at a lower rate for small business loans and face more scrutiny when seeking investments.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Survivors have long called for accountability, arguing that the Church's response has been inadequate and that senior figures must be held responsible.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • That conviction was set aside by an Oklahoma court which said his defense was inadequate.
    Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scarce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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