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

Examples 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 plan to invoke the border restrictions based on sporadic cases of illness or even a vague fear of illness — rather than a major disease outbreak or pandemic — would amount to a radical use of the public health measure in pursuit of an immigration crackdown. —

Zolan Kanno-Youngs, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 Murray, 74, performed on Jan. 3 at a packed Thalia Hall in Chicago, kicking off their sporadic run. —

Marina Watts, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025 The lead characters are well-cast across the board, with Chase and McDonough especially effective as complex, unpredictable characters whose sporadic conflicts go a long way toward developing a rooting interest in both men. —

Joe Leydon, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024 In the case of settler violence, such efforts appear to be sporadic and half-hearted. —

Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sporadic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic

Adjective

The tunes go for three-minute punch, with occasional back-up vocals from Kapranos’ wife, French star Clara Luciani.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025
Some winters bring consistent snow and frosty days, perfect for outdoor activities, while others see milder conditions with occasional rain or bare ground.

— David Nikel, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025