1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
a sharp, choppy wind coming off the lake
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rough
marked by a series of sharp quick motions
the old cable car provides a picturesque but choppy ride to the mountain's peak
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in confusing
not clearly or logically connected
the plot was intriguing, but the author's style was so choppy that I finally gave up in frustration
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of choppy
Living Proof’s shampoo gives hair the same effect as a texturizing sea salt spray, paving the way for a lightweight, choppy styler like clay or fiber.
—
Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026
Sitting anywhere between the jawline and just above the shoulder, the cut is choppy and undeniably cool.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025
These seas tend to be small and irregular, causing choppy conditions.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Michael Quirk of the water police told ABC that conditions at the time of the search were choppy, including strong south-westerly winds that approached up to 35 knots.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for choppy
Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026
Sitting anywhere between the jawline and just above the shoulder, the cut is choppy and undeniably cool.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025
These seas tend to be small and irregular, causing choppy conditions.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Michael Quirk of the water police told ABC that conditions at the time of the search were choppy, including strong south-westerly winds that approached up to 35 knots.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for choppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choppy
Adjective
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The study made a significant contribution, if not clarification, to this academic niche — medieval migration wasn’t seasonal, nor sporadic and intense.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Jan. 2026
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Trying to keep up with tariff news, especially as a consumer who isn't necessarily an expert in economic policy, can feel like dodging sporadic jump scares.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Weather conditions and rough seas can influence whether SpaceX and NASA commit to undock from the ISS and target a specific splashdown site.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
15 Jan. 2026
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The financials are having another rough day as big bank investors took profits in Citigroup , Bank of America , and Wells Fargo after earnings, following a similar trend with JPMorgan on Tuesday.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While airline miles are easier to earn than ever, using them well—and maximizing their value—can often feel confusing.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Choose decisive steps over a confusing kerfuffle!—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Not even those who, inspired by occasional bouts of yellow fever, had sure access to fleeting moments of lucidity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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Today, occasional direct ferries provide a simpler two-hour crossing.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This imbalance can lead to uneven washing, where your towels may get a more thorough wash than your clothes—or vice versa.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
12 Jan. 2026
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They’re made with a special plate in the midsole to keep your feet stable even on uneven terrain.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Trump administration officials have suggested that Powell either lied about changes to the building or altered plans in ways that are inconsistent with those approved by planning commissions.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Drinkers sometimes complained that wines tasted weird and crazy, not just wild, and inconsistent from bottle to bottle.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Over the past decade, intermittent mass protests have drawn participants from virtually every socioeconomic class, including ethnic minorities on the periphery of the country, labor movements, women, and bazaaris.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
10 Jan. 2026
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Atkins, keto, South Beach, the Zone, low carb, no carb, ultra-low fat, liquid only, Jillian Michaels, Jane Fonda, Suzanne Somers, full-body HIIT workouts, gym memberships, a YMCA weight coach, DietBet, StepBet, a Mediterranean diet, a vegetarian diet, the raw food diet, intermittent fasting.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That means a bumpier road ahead.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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Inflation progress may stall It's been a bumpy decline down to the Federal Reserve's preferred 2% inflation rate.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Choppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choppy. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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