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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spasmodic contrast with its synonyms?

The words convulsive and fitful are common synonyms of spasmodic. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

When is convulsive a more appropriate choice than spasmodic?

The synonyms convulsive and spasmodic are sometimes interchangeable, but convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

When is it sensible to use fitful instead of spasmodic?

While in some cases nearly identical to spasmodic, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

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 spasmodic Most people have adductor spasmodic dysphonia, which causes the voice to sound strained, tight and hoarse. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025 Here’s what to know about how common spasmodic dysphonia is, what causes it, and how it’s treated. Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025 That's the result of a rare neurological condition known as spasmodic dysphonia, which has afflicted Kennedy for decades. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025 Wearing a bowler hat, his physical movements and magnetic smile often mirrored the spasmodic motion of the songs. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • However, with Brooks Lee, Kody Clemens and Lewis receiving the bulk of the playing time, at-bats became more sporadic for Bride, who only had eight hits in his last 58 at-bats for the Twins.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • Coaches and players who had meticulously calibrated fitness programs for 2024 were forced into an extended holding pattern, trying to maintain sharpness through sporadic friendlies and local camps.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Contreras, the excitable ex-Cub, took exception and barked at Palencia.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Audiences at Berlin shows have tended toward enthusiastic influencers, brand fans and excitable fashion students.
    Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 32-year-old spent the last two seasons exclusively in the NHL after grinding his way through AHL seasons with the occasional call-up.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Disruption today is built-in—an ever-present reality, not just an occasional glitch.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Then there's the real world, which is entirely different, so in reality people have nothing to be nervous about.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 12 July 2025
  • The odds of a recession may be falling, but states appear to be betting that corporate leaders are still nervous.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the available data indicates that for the past several months there has been a persistent presence of hydrogen sulfide, causing intermittent exposure to levels that some studies and environmental health experts suggest can cause respiratory complications.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Itasca received intermittent voice messages from Earhart as her signal increased.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • In one particularly raw moment, a woman studying the photographs let out a sudden shriek.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
  • The tragedy in Ruidoso highlights growing concerns about increasingly intense weather systems striking communities with little time to prepare for sudden surges of water.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • China’s export growth has shown some resilience in recent months, even as the erratic U.S. tariff policies disrupted global trade.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 July 2025
  • The plane made erratic maneuvers and several mayday calls before disappearing, the report said.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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