SPORADIC Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sporadic' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sporadic are infrequent , rare , scarce , and uncommon . While all these words mean "not common or abundant," sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts. // sporadic cases of influenza

Q: When is it sensible to use 'infrequent' instead of 'sporadic'?

Although the words infrequent and sporadic have much in common, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time. // infrequent family visits

Q: When is 'rare' a more appropriate choice than 'sporadic'?

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

Q: Where would 'scarce' be a reasonable alternative to 'sporadic'?

While the synonyms scarce and sporadic are close in meaning, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance. // jobs were scarce during the Depression

Q: When would 'uncommon' be a good substitute for 'sporadic'?

The synonyms uncommon and sporadic are sometimes interchangeable, but uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation. // smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

sporadic

adjective

spə-ˈra-dik

Definition of sporadic next

as in occasional

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence sporadic loud noises kept startling everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in infrequent

not often occurring or repeated so long as the complaints remain sporadic, we're doing fine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sporadic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sporadic are infrequent, rare, scarce, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When is it sensible to use infrequent instead of sporadic?

Although the words infrequent and sporadic have much in common, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

When is rare a more appropriate choice than sporadic?

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

rare first editions

Where would scarce be a reasonable alternative to sporadic?

While the synonyms scarce and sporadic are close in meaning, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When would uncommon be a good substitute for sporadic?

The synonyms uncommon and sporadic are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 sporadic The titular rabbit of White Night Rabbit Worries is white with red eyes and, as with Alice in Wonderland, makes sporadic appearances. —

Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 Short trips, sporadic errands and interviews are also auspicious. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 After being deported from Sweden and moving to Bangkok in 2015, Drain Gang’s Thaiboy Digital has leaned harder into the cult rap crew’s love for rave electronics than any other member, chasing highs in lucid dreams to compensate for sporadic meetups with the boys. —

Nathan Evans, Pitchfork, 12 May 2026 The most recent back-and-forth over talks comes after a week of sporadic clashes in the Persian Gulf, amid a month-long ceasefire. —

Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sporadic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic

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