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 In my experience as an executive coach, such listening sessions are uncommon due to fear of reprisal from politicians and other powerful stakeholders. —Annmarie Caño, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2025 Queues of nearly three hours were not uncommon in its first summer. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Sometimes, political leadership requires uncommon courage, especially when faced with annoyed and embarrassed constituents, caught and fined for driving recklessly. —John Seng, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2025 Zoom in: Vitamin A deficiencies are uncommon in the U.S., according to the Mayo Clinic. —April Rubin, Axios, 31 Mar. 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
  • Cruise cancellations are relatively unusual but can happen for a number of other reasons, including when a ship is chartered or needs to go to dry dock.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Instead of relying on old red flags like misspellings or poor grammar, employees should be trained to identify behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected requests for urgent financial transactions or unusual communication patterns.
    — Stephen Moore, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday.
    — John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • By 1815, machine breaking had become rare, but the plight of the artisans remained dire.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • Harvard University President Alan Garber released an open letter today that provided an exceptional example of leadership integrity when faced with extraordinary external pressure.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This extraordinary group rallied together for a single glorious vision: to win four straight playoff games against the finest teams in college football.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • These stores typically feature eclectic collections of oddities, collectibles, curiosities, and decorative items that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of the strange and unique.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
  • If some readers were befuddled by Mr. Holland’s strange and magical imagery, graphic artists were entranced.
    — Penelope Green, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of strange
Adjective
  • This compact security camera offers exceptional value and robust features in a tiny design.
    — Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The former Tar Heel demonstrates exceptional burst and often requires multiple defenders to take him down.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • And makes a funny joke about giving Glenn Close an Oscar.
    — Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    — Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of funny
Adjective
  • These lanterns are bright, and their unique design makes the solar hanging light the perfect outdoor decoration.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The underlying signal itself can also be unique for people or groups of people.
    — Eloy Geenjaar, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of unique
Adjective
  • So those [neoclassical] artists are to me, in a very weird sense, the very earliest photographers—except their medium was oil on canvas.
    — Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The first sign of Mom Fatigue is leaving weird stuff in the fridge.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 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 20 Apr. 2025.

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