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

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 sporadic The protests involved sporadic acts of violence that state and local law enforcement were capable of handling without military involvement, according to the lawsuit. Dietrich Knauth, USA Today, 20 June 2025 Hamas long ago expended the vast majority of its rocket arsenal, able now to launch only sporadic rockets that have near-zero impact. Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 12 July 2025 After several days of spotty showers, a few stronger, scarier storms, and sporadic outbreaks of sunshine, Austin has virtually zero rain chances on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 10 July 2025 Establishing clear objectives from the beginning is important for avoiding vague goals, sporadic communication or unclear accountability. Casey Halbach, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sporadic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sporadic
Adjective
  • Ozzy also did his own occasional tours, including a stop at the Bradley Center on Dec. 14 of that year.
    Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
  • In most cases, a modest occasional spend of resources on something exciting-but-not-strategic is fine.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a reason for that: Fire hose again, coupled with intermittent kinks and leaks.
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 12 July 2025
  • Dietary changes such as intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, and ketogenic diet with regular exercise can prevent MASH or delay its progression.
    Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even if that happens, however, Sternberg would still receive the 2025 World Series trophy if the Rays rebound from an erratic first half to win their first world championship.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • There is yet another small chance for thunderstorms this afternoon, ten percent likelihood or less, with the main threats of any storms that are able to develop being lightning and gusty and erratic outflow winds.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Then Kings of Leon and Black Keys come out of Nashville and then all of a sudden the diversity of the music that was coming out of there started to really grow over a short period of time.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some of Widmer's supporters believe Sarah might have had a genetic disorder, such as Long QT Syndrome type 7, a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • Rate cuts under political duress would raise that risk further — and so, even more, would an irregular change at the top of the Federal Reserve.
    The Editors, National Review, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sporadic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sporadic. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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