sporadically

adverb

spo·​rad·​i·​cal·​ly spə-ˈra-di-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce sporadically (audio)
Synonyms of sporadicallynext
: 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
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.
Mpox has been reported sporadically in central, east and west Africa, the agency said. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026 After a few months in which it was heard only sporadically at local tournaments across Mexico, a homophobic chant has resurfaced strongly in recent weeks in what could be a prelude to what will happen at the 2026 World Cup. Carlos Rodriguez, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 The difference is Detroit has lived in that identity all season, while Orlando has only visited it sporadically. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2026 Weldon, who sporadically practiced medicine while running political campaigns and additionally questioned the safety of vaccines, said he was told not enough senators were willing to support his nomination. Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sporadically

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sporadically was in 1681

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Cite this Entry

“Sporadically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sporadically. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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