SCARCE Synonyms: 98 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

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

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 scarce Americans are familiar with prices that fluctuate when supply is scarce — say, seats on a plane or rooms at a hotel. — Lindsay Owens, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026 Available reservations are scarce for the next several weeks, but a few seats remain. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026 More and more Indians are sitting for these high-stakes exams every year, while spots at elite schools remain scarce, and jobs aren’t growing fast enough to accommodate graduates. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026 The allocation of scarce public housing has further fueled the immigration debate. — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scarce

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarce

Adjective

The Kings began in 1967 before a sparse crowd in Long Beach, as executive Alan Rothenberg helped sell a skeptical Southern California on hockey’s place in a warm-weather city.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
A couple of decades later, however, Ryan Field gamedays often seemed sparse.

— Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of sparse

Adjective

The Detroit Free Press and other Michigan- and national-based media organizations have said the claims are misleading or lacking context.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
But concrete evidence of Clark fans acting in a hateful manner — at least in real time — is severely lacking.

— Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of lacking

Adjective

Many were injured, and there was insufficient food—including eight chocolate bars, some wine, two tins of mussels—to support survivors.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Oct. 2026
The stoppage happened about 3½ hours after the start amid complaints of insufficient water for the runners.

— Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of insufficient

Adjective

Jaguar also built a car with long, low proportions that are unique in its segment and required a new platform.

— Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Set the scene For a hotel with some of the priciest rooms in the city, Capella Bangkok feels decidedly low key.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of low

Adjective

The company said the pilot is dealing with the ongoing nationwide problem of inadequate truck parking, which leads to driver fatigue, operational inefficiencies and safety risks on major freight routes.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Two also allege the district provided inadequate child abuse reporting training.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of inadequate

Browse Nearby Words

scaramouches

scarce

scarcely

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“Scarce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarce. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scarce

adjective

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