Synonyms for

Uncommon

Verb / ʌˈnkɑ:mʌn / Another word for uncommon — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not often found, seen, or experienced; rare

Synonyms & similar words

rare common rare scarce unusual infrequent atypical abnormal strange odd weird peculiar exceptional extraordinary unique unprecedented remarkable astonishing surprising unexpected unfamiliar unknown

Synonyms by register

Formal

rare infrequent scarce unusual

Informal

odd peculiar strange weird

Literary

singular unique exceptional

Antonyms

common usual ordinary frequent regular typical normal

Common collocations

  • uncommon skill
  • uncommon strength
  • uncommon beauty
  • uncommon occurrence
  • uncommon ground
  • uncommon sense
  • uncommon talent

Word family

noun uncommonness
adverb uncommonly

Usage note

While 'uncommon' can mean simply 'not common', it often carries a positive connotation of being special or remarkable. It is generally more formal than 'rare'.

Example sentences

  1. It is uncommon to see a blue rose.
  2. Uncommon animals like giraffes and elephants live in the zoo.
  3. It is uncommon to find a diamond in the sand.
  4. The weather is so uncommon that people are wearing shorts in December.
  5. It is uncommon for a cat to like water.

Quotes

  • Common sense is not so common. - Voltaire
  • The more things change, the more they stay the same. - Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
  • The uncommon man is merely the common man thinking and dreaming of success in larger terms. - Melvin Powers

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