Synonyms for

Seldom

Verb / ˈseldʌm / Another word for seldom — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

rarely, not often

Synonyms & similar words

rarely often rarely infrequently scarcely sporadically occasionally seldomly infrequently hardly rare scarce uncommon unfrequent inconceivable

Synonyms by register

Formal

rarely infrequently hardly ever

Informal

not often hardly ever once in a while

Literary

scarce seldomly

Antonyms

often frequently regularly habitually customarily commonly usually

Common collocations

  • seldom seen
  • seldom heard
  • seldom goes
  • seldom appears
  • seldom happens
  • seldom if ever
  • seldom speaks

Word family

adverb seldom

Usage note

Seldom is an adverb that means 'not often'. It is generally used in more formal contexts than 'rarely' or 'hardly ever'.

Example sentences

  1. I seldom watch television because I prefer to play outside.
  2. My sister seldom eats vegetables, but I love them.
  3. We seldom see snow where we live.
  4. The teacher seldom gives us homework on Fridays.
  5. I seldom forget my lunch because I put it by the door.

Quotes

  • 'Seldom' is a word that describes things that don't happen very often, like comets in the sky or earthquakes on the ground. - Kelly Barnhill
  • Seldom have we had occasion to honor a man who has so enriched our national life. - Lyndon B. Johnson
  • Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure. - Jane Austen

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words