seldom 1 of 2

adverb

ˈsel-dəm How to pronounce seldom (audio)
Definition of seldomnext
as in rarely
not often we seldom go to the theater downtown because its prices are so high

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seldom

2 of 2

adjective

as in unusual

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 seldom
Adverb
Hathaway is no stranger to action movies, but seldom have her contributions to the form been so dirt-under-the-fingernails feral. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 These days it is seldom seen, with scouting resource and social media so prevalent, for the majority to be so unaware of the next young talent. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 The Patriot Games, it must be said, seldom made for great television. — Matt Viser, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 While the group is nominally focused on promoting the relationship between the United States and Israel, its advertising focus seldom mentions Israel. — Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seldom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seldom
  1. rarely
  2. unusual
  3. uncommon
  4. infrequent
  5. rare
  6. extraordinary
  7. unfamiliar
Adverb
  • Strong El Niño events, such as the one revving up in the tropical Pacific, have rarely spared the Golden State from significant and damaging consequences.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Fast forward almost a year and lawmakers rarely reference the topic anymore.
    — Ali Swenson, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of rarely
Adjective
  • While his batting order remains unchanged, the team has made an unusual move, relocating Guerrero's locker to a new spot.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Land exchanges are common elsewhere in the federal government, but exchanging National Park Service land for private development access is unusual, NOTUS reported, citing a former park service official.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • Following his diagnosis and death, Brody’s parents received messages from other families in Ladera Ranch whose children had suffered from the same uncommon disease.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The league could perhaps benefit from such messaging in its stadiums and on its helmets because DUI arrests or other traffic incidents involving NFL people are not uncommon.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of uncommon
Adjective
  • Unopened soy sauce can be stored in the pantry, but once opened, refrigeration is recommended for infrequent use to maintain quality.
    — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The initiative aims to reach 5 million low-wage, infrequent voters, particularly across the South and in battleground states.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of infrequent
Adjective
  • In a rare move, the chipmaker provided a revenue growth outlook for fiscal 2028 that forecast annual sales to increase 70% from the prior year.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Within the Milky Way, astronomers have so far identified roughly 100 stellar stream candidates shed by globular clusters, but finding one around another galaxy is extraordinarily rare.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • One of the most extraordinary musical experiences of my life was recording with her.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Harald’s death was officially announced at an extraordinary Council of State meeting at Norway’s Royal Palace on Friday, as the full title of the new King was formally presented.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of extraordinary
Adjective
  • And yet, to those who are unfamiliar with its inner workings, the pageant world might appear shrouded in mystery.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Look for unfamiliar accounts or other signs that your information may have been misused.
    — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfamiliar

Browse Nearby Words

seizures
seldom
select
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Cite this Entry

“Seldom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seldom. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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