sporadically

adverb

spo·​rad·​i·​cal·​ly spə-ˈra-di-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce sporadically (audio)
: in a sporadic manner : not regularly or constantly
gunfire being heard sporadically
software updates that appear sporadically
Originally from the western Pacific Ocean, the shrimp have been spotted sporadically in U.S. waters for the past two decades.Rick Jervis
Even when the sun is being well behaved, parcels of plasma shoot sporadically toward Earth's dark side, prompting a bright aurora and intensifying radiation belts.Tim Beardsley

Examples of sporadically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Plaza bunnies, now more than 100 years old, have a long and sporadically documented history. Sidney Steele, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024 The duo toured the U.S. only sporadically, including gigs at Clutch Cargo’s in Pontiac in 2001 and 2004. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024 There’s archeological evidence that archaic humans used fire sporadically as far back as 1.6 million years ago. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 Over the next couple of months, the couple sporadically shared more photos together, offering snapshots into their relationship. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 Though Ferrera only appears sporadically in the final season, Amy is still the heart and soul of Cloud 9, being ridiculously relatable to anyone who’s ever had to deal with the public for a living. Kelly Martinez, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2024 In measured tones, Henley recounted one particular night in 1980 that has only sporadically been reported in the past. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 Northern Gaza has been largely cut off for months now, according to the United Nations, and aid trucks carrying flour arrive sporadically and are swarmed by hundreds of hungry people. Zoe Magee, ABC News, 1 Feb. 2024 The last period of volcanic activity on the Reykjanes struck between 800 to 1240 C.E., when volcanic spurts—known as fires—sporadically burst from the land. Maya Wei-Haas, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sporadically.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sporadically was in 1681

Dictionary Entries Near sporadically

Cite this Entry

“Sporadically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sporadically. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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