uncommon

adjective

ˌən-ˈkä-mən How to pronounce uncommon (audio)
Definition of uncommonnext
1
as in unusual
being out of the ordinary a landscape of uncommon beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rare
noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced backyard swimming pools are not an uncommon sight in that neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word uncommon distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of uncommon are infrequent, rare, scarce, and sporadic. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

When could infrequent be used to replace uncommon?

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

infrequent family visits

When would rare be a good substitute for uncommon?

The words rare and uncommon are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When is it sensible to use scarce instead of uncommon?

While in some cases nearly identical to uncommon, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

In what contexts can sporadic take the place of uncommon?

The words sporadic and uncommon can be used in similar contexts, but sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

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 uncommon One day, the two women – otherwise accustomed to living in solitude – begin to notice each other’s existence, and an uncommon friendship is born. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025 Though uncommon, infections can occur and are typically resolved quickly with antibiotics if caught early. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 1 June 2025 Acqui-hires are not uncommon in a competitive tech hiring environment. —Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 This is why Daigneault refers to the Thunder as an uncommon group. —Tony Jones, New York Times, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncommon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon
  1. unusual
  2. rare
  3. extraordinary
  4. strange
  5. exceptional
  6. funny
  7. unique
  8. weird
Adjective
  • The unusual incident was documented on a Reddit page dedicated to all things Walmart.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025
  • Hamas issued an unusual warning about another hostage, Matan Zangauker, saying Israel's military had surrounded the area where he's held and that any harm that came to him during a rescue attempt would be Israel's responsibility.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Accidents in that phase of flight are rare, said Paul Hayes, safety director at UK consultancy Cirium Ascend.
    — Allison Lampert, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • But similar events have been fairly rare in the United States.
    — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 14 June 2025
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • But Madigan’s extraordinary four days of testimony, in the end, weren’t enough.
    — Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
  • This extraordinary high-altitude migration highlights the their unique physiological adaptations, offering valuable insight into how animals can evolve to overcome extreme environmental challenges.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • The Dominican Republic had a moment of its own to celebrate in the 51st minute, though its first-ever Gold Cup goal came in strange circumstances.
    — Jon Arnold, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • New York seems to be working with the impression that Kidd won't be available, but stranger things have happened before.
    — Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • Barring an exceptional situation, such as an injury crisis, he is not expected to play regularly for the first team — despite appearing in five games this season and scoring his first senior goal in May.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • From San Francisco to Seoul, these 58 extraordinary watering holes serve up exceptional cocktails, stunning design and world-class service.
    — Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • From funny reactions to adorable giggles, see some of the best moments from Thursday's big game Comments Taylor Swift is back in her sporty era!
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Roman is my kind of Virgil—chatty, funny, forgiving, sharp.
    — Marina Harss, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
  • Players take turns adding their own spin with a creative stroke, but everyone respects the rule associated with this unique tradition.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • More Getty Images Adam Scott's weird practice round revealed As Scott prepares for the final showdown, a viral video has added much more interest in his golf swing.
    — Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • Plus there are the weird noises coming from a locked backroom upstairs.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2025
Definition of weird

Browse Nearby Words

uncommitted
uncommon
uncommonly
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Cite this Entry

“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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