1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
the weekend forecast is for occasional showers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in odd
not often occurring or repeated
an occasional mechanical problem with our car, but nothing serious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples of occasional in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Anxiety: Emotional distress, whether temporary or due to an anxiety disorder, can cause distraction and may cause occasional or persistent symptoms of clumsiness.
—
Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024
After all, in 2023 more than half the migrants seeking to cross our southern border came from countries beyond Mexico, and the occasional overwhelming spikes in arrivals tend to be driven by events in Venezuela or Central America.
—Andrés Martinez, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024
Although there was still an occasional mosquito noted, there was a significant drop in the amount of mosquitoes in the yard.
—Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024
But with that level of independence can come the occasional hurdle.
—Jim Ryan, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for occasional 
Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024
After all, in 2023 more than half the migrants seeking to cross our southern border came from countries beyond Mexico, and the occasional overwhelming spikes in arrivals tend to be driven by events in Venezuela or Central America.
—Andrés Martinez, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024
Although there was still an occasional mosquito noted, there was a significant drop in the amount of mosquitoes in the yard.
—Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024
But with that level of independence can come the occasional hurdle.
—Jim Ryan, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for occasional
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'occasional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Thesaurus Entries Near occasional
Cite this Entry
“Occasional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasional. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share