SCARCE Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'scarce' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of scarce are infrequent , rare , sporadic , and uncommon . While all these words mean "not common or abundant," scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance. // jobs were scarce during the Depression

Q: When might 'infrequent' be a better fit than 'scarce'?

In some situations, the words infrequent and scarce are roughly equivalent. However, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time. // infrequent family visits

Q: In what contexts can 'rare' take the place of 'scarce'?

The meanings of rare and scarce largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value. // rare first editions

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sporadic' instead of 'scarce'?

While the synonyms sporadic and scarce are close in meaning, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts. // sporadic cases of influenza

Q: When would 'uncommon' be a good substitute for 'scarce'?

While in some cases nearly identical to scarce , uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation. // smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

scarce

adjective

ˈskers

Definition of scarce next

as in sparse

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable food was a bit scarce last winter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lacking

not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need help is always scarce in the resort town during the busy summer season

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scarce distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of scarce are infrequent, rare, sporadic, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When might infrequent be a better fit than scarce?

In some situations, the words infrequent and scarce are roughly equivalent. However, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

In what contexts can rare take the place of scarce?

The meanings of rare and scarce largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

When is it sensible to use sporadic instead of scarce?

While the synonyms sporadic and scarce are close in meaning, sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When would uncommon be a good substitute for scarce?

While in some cases nearly identical to scarce, uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

Examples 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 scarce In other news: Nature: A new conservation easement will permanently protect a forested area in a part of Louisville where undeveloped land is scarce. —

Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024 Indian IPOs are scarce as the end-of-the-year lull descends. —

Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024 Price gouging generally refers to charging exorbitant rates for goods or services, particularly during times when those goods or services are scarce or in high demand. —

Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024 The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce. —

Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scarce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce

Adjective

Data on past genetic, neurological and physical diversity is usually more difficult to collect given the sparse nature of the fossil and archaeological record.

Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
That was a theme in the moribund postgame clubhouse, where those brilliant blue lights had been turned off, leaving it looking sad and sparse.

Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024