UNCOMMON Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

uncommon

adjective

ˌən-ˈkä-mən

Definition of uncommon

as in unusual

being out of the ordinary a landscape of uncommon beauty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 For creators elsewhere, a bad connection is an uncommon and momentary inconvenience. — Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 An inconclusive ballistics result is not uncommon, as the analysis depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments recovered. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 The attacker’s choice to write it in Rust is relatively uncommon for macOS infostealers. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 In Europe, summers were mild and the technology wasn’t necessary, as 90-to-100-degree temperatures were uncommon. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncommon

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncommon

Adjective

Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.

— Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of unusual

Adjective

Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Thieves stole $25,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards after breaking into an Eagan, Minnesota, claw machine arcade last weekend, employees said.

— Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of rare

Adjective

This year’s celebration comes on the heels of a late June warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that released extraordinary amounts of soot and smoke across the county, on par with pollution generated by the previous year’s wildfires.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
These were moments of extraordinary dissent against the British government by American colonists.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of extraordinary

Adjective

Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

As the two form a close bond, Laila discovers there's some weird business going on within the house that threatens both of them.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Confessions kicked off one of the weirdest eras in a career that has never been stingy with weirdness.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026

Definition of weird

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uncommitted

uncommon

uncommonly

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“Uncommon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncommon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of uncommon

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