infrequent

adjective

(ˌ)in-ˈfrē-kwənt How to pronounce infrequent (audio)
Definition of infrequentnext
as in occasional
not often occurring or repeated a shut-in who made infrequent trips to the store

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 States with infrequent disasters naturally lack that. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025 Constipation Constipation is the condition of having infrequent bowel movements. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025 The casting got immediate buzz, not to mention curiosity – LuPone has made no secret of her displeasures with Broadway in recent years, and Farrow has always been an infrequent Broadway performer. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 June 2025 Despite its infrequent appearances today, GoodEnough was part of a seminal group of streetwear brands founded in the early ’90s that also includes Bape, Undercover and, of course, Supreme. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for infrequent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infrequent
occasional
Adjective
  • Several chains have announced deals to mark the occasional on their websites, in social media or in news releases.
    — Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
  • The 32-year-old spent the last two seasons exclusively in the NHL after grinding his way through AHL seasons with the occasional call-up.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Definition of occasional

Browse Nearby Words

infrequency
infrequent
infrequently
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Cite this Entry

“Infrequent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infrequent. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of infrequent for Spanish Speakers

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