1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of intermittent
Some customers in San Juan began reporting intermittent service more than a year ago, with the governor acknowledging the infrastructure has lacked investment and maintenance for decades.
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ABC News,
12 June 2026
Nevertheless, intermittent thunder and lightning didn't stop the crowd from gathering around the building to watch the spectacle, not unlike a big crowd before a typical concert venue.
—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
After blazing heat on Tuesday, intermittent heavy rain showers followed throughout the next few days, with Friday’s session again taking place in intense heat.
—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The northern bald ibis has a ruddy bill and a crest of feathers that look like an intermittent mohawk.
—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intermittent
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Nevertheless, intermittent thunder and lightning didn't stop the crowd from gathering around the building to watch the spectacle, not unlike a big crowd before a typical concert venue.
—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
After blazing heat on Tuesday, intermittent heavy rain showers followed throughout the next few days, with Friday’s session again taking place in intense heat.
—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
The northern bald ibis has a ruddy bill and a crest of feathers that look like an intermittent mohawk.
—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intermittent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intermittent
Adjective
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In a study testing this theory using 212 recurrent dream reports, 66% contained at least one threat and dreamers typically responded with defensive or evasive behavior.
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The criteria include frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, having unstable relationships, identity disturbance, impulsive behavior, chronic feelings of emptiness, intense anger, emotional instability, paranoia or dissociation under stress, and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-harm.
Adjective
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Utility Iren was doubling workers' shifts and adding generators to address sporadic power cuts in Turin as the electricity grid came under strain, a spokesperson said.
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While attractive due to its proximity to strong local and regional gas markets, exploration for this gas has been sporadic in the basin since the mid-1980s, with experts noting pilot projects were uneconomic, temporarily abandoned or failed.
Adjective
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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.
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This was and is a non-recurring, cyclical business totally dependent on transaction volumes, which fluctuate with economic cycles and interest rates.
Adjective
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Steward said the church has around 50 members, although many others in the area stop by for the occasional service.
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South winds increase to 15-25 mph with occasional gusts over 30 mph.
Adjective
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Curtis Robinson has had periodic usage as well.
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With some mathematical wizardry, the researchers described a periodic surface whose elements capture discrete components of polarized wavefronts.
Adjective
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From a fatal weekend crash on the I-184 Connector to a sudden summer cooldown, here’s a roundup of top stories the Idaho Statesman has published this week.
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The blockbuster rulings that dominate the news cycle each June are not sudden flashes of judicial willpower.
Cite this Entry
“Intermittent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intermittent. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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