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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Rarely” — 4 Other Ways to Say It

Something that happens not very often.

IPA: /ˈreərli/Level: A2Register: neutralPart of speech: adv

Meaning of Rarely

Not often; seldom.

How to Pronounce Rarely

IPA: /ˈreərli/ Stress: Os

Stress first syllable: RARE-ly.

Full pronunciation guide for rarely →

4 Synonyms for Rarely — Words Similar to Rarely

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

Smart Synonyms for Rarely — When to Use Each

seldom

formal equivalent of rarely

infrequently

emphasizes the lack of frequency

hardly ever

casual way to say almost never

How to Use Rarely and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • She rarely eats meat. A2
  • He rarely watches television. A2
  • Rarely does one find such talent in young musicians. B2

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Rarely

What is another word for "rarely"?

Common synonyms for "rarely" include: seldom, infrequently, hardly ever, scarcely.

What can I say instead of "rarely"?

Try one of these alternatives: seldom, infrequently, hardly ever, scarcely. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "rarely" formal or informal?

"rarely" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "rarely" instead of "seldom"?

Use "rarely" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "seldom" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

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