frequently
9 synonyms and 3 antonyms for frequently, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Often; at frequent intervals.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use frequently
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "frequent" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Full origin of frequently →Frequently asked questions
What does “frequently” mean?
The word “frequently” means often; at frequent intervals. In plain terms, happening often.
How do you pronounce “frequently”?
“Frequently” is pronounced FREE-kwuhnt-lee (/ˈfɹiː.kwənt.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “frequently” in a sentence?
Here is “frequently” used in a sentence: “She frequently travels to Spain for work.”
What is another word for “frequently”?
Words with a similar meaning to “frequently” include often, oftenly and oftentimes.
What is the opposite of “frequently”?
The opposite of “frequently” — its antonyms — are infrequently, occasionally and rarely.
What part of speech is “frequently”?
“Frequently” is an adverb.
Is “frequently” a common word?
“Frequently” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between frequently and often?
The two are very close in meaning and usually interchangeable. "Often" simply means many times, while "frequently" carries a slightly more formal tone and a stronger sense of regular, repeated intervals. In everyday speech "often" is more common; "frequently" tends to appear in written, technical, or professional contexts.
What is the opposite of frequently?
The most direct opposites are "rarely," "seldom," and "infrequently," all of which describe something happening only occasionally or at long intervals. "Never" is the absolute opposite, meaning not at any time. Which one fits best depends on how uncommon the event is — "rarely" still allows for the occasional occurrence.
Is frequently formal or informal?
It sits on the more formal side of neutral. You can use it comfortably in essays, reports, and professional writing, where it sounds precise and polished. In casual conversation most people reach for "often" or "a lot" instead, though "frequently" is never wrong — just slightly more elevated in tone.