INTERMITTENT Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

intermittent

adjective

ˌin-tər-ˈmi-tᵊnt

Definition of intermittent

as in recurrent

occurring or appearing at intervals intermittent showers had me opening and closing my umbrella all day long

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence the breadwinner's intermittent employment put the family in a difficult position financially

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 intermittent Expanding its use displaces coal in Asia and supports the integration of intermittent renewables by providing flexible backup. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Research has shown, for example, that intermittent fasting may be as effective as low-calorie diets for weight loss. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 2026 That would explain the intermittent touring stints in decades since. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 25 June 2026 In just over a month, the company submitted claims for 78,663 items, mostly intermittent urinary catheters. — Brian New, CBS News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intermittent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intermittent

Adjective

Wolfe said some people have recurrent symptoms, after the body tries and fails to fully fight off the illness.

— Eva Flowe July 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
Other essential qualities include a substantial heft, range, and engagement with the United States’s history, especially the recurrent issues of racial injustice, religious enthusiasm, social conformity, and rampant capitalism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Definition of recurrent

Adjective

The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.

— David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Redevelopment in downtown Miami and the accidental discovery of the mysterious Miami Circle in 1998 have ushered in a quarter-century of sporadic but remarkable archaeological revelations.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

The Bell Street Bridge encampment was prioritized for closure as part of Downtown Rising – the first phase of Atlanta Rising, a multi-year campaign launched in 2025 to end unsheltered homelessness citywide and make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.

— Emily McLeod, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
This was and is a non-recurring, cyclical business totally dependent on transaction volumes, which fluctuate with economic cycles and interest rates.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

Definition of recurring

Adjective

While no one wants a bad night's sleep, most of us experience occasional sleep disruptions stemming from familiar culprits like late-night doomscrolling, too much caffeine, stress or an inconsistent bedtime routine.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Solar power and advanced water recycling systems would eliminate the need for utility hookups, only requiring occasional deliveries of potable water and propane to run the systems.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

The interface between regulators and their licensees will move from periodic submissions to continuous data exchange.

— Matthew White, Fortune, 7 July 2026
Rather than treating learning as a periodic training activity, leading organizations are embedding learning into the fabric of the organization as a core capability for navigating continuous disruption.

— Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of periodic

Adjective

Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026

Definition of sudden

Browse Nearby Words

intermitted

intermittent

intermittently

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“Intermittent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intermittent. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of intermittent

adjective

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