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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of occasional
The album’s occasional lack of momentum is echoed in its lyrical focus on languishing and resisting change.
—
Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
Four doors are two too many; a true GT may have a back seat, but one meant more for occasional use or luggage than regular occupation.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
Dorsainvil also co-produces Sounds of Little Haiti and said there are still roof and leak issues and occasional problems with the air conditioning.
—Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Starbucks' business with those occasional, non-rewards customers was in bad shape when Niccol took over.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
Four doors are two too many; a true GT may have a back seat, but one meant more for occasional use or luggage than regular occupation.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026
Dorsainvil also co-produces Sounds of Little Haiti and said there are still roof and leak issues and occasional problems with the air conditioning.
—Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Starbucks' business with those occasional, non-rewards customers was in bad shape when Niccol took over.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasional
Adjective
-
Oversight becomes sporadic and trust weakens, not because systems fail outright, but because people struggle to explain or stand behind what the systems do.—
Murugan Anandarajan,
The Conversation,
22 Jan. 2026
-
There have also been sporadic collaborations with figures such as Katharine Hamnett and British visual artist Julian Opie.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
What begins as an odd arrangement gradually becomes a warm, unconventional bond — and an unpredictable love.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Their misadventures spiral into odd, escalating situations that would play better with sharper writing or more adventurous direction.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The study offers a biological explanation for why movement—even gentle or intermittent movement—may help slow tumor growth.—
Avi Patel,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Ray, by contrast, is a figure of intermittent but undeniable mirth—a citadel of physical perfection whose sublimity occasionally touches the ridiculous.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Engineers can simulate rare or dangerous situations safely.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
-
So rare as to be rarely let go.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Loose, fast, and slightly jerky steps, a sudden joy sweeping through the body like a wind.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This design helps prevent the air from escaping during sudden movements or changes in orientation.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The director puts a lot on her characters’ shoulders to illustrate how unsupported and isolated illness and disability can be.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
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These prescriptive measures took place in isolated medical facilities known as sanatoriums, and some of the fancier ones resembled a cross between a hospital and a resort.—
Outside,
Outside,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This time hosted against the dramatic architecture of Verona’s Roman Arena, this ceremony will celebrate the achievements of athletes from around the world, setting an unusual precedent of differing from the location of the opening ceremony.—
Sam Leveridge,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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The film takes some departures from the visual styles found in Pickford’s other films, invoking an unusual tone of despair while deploying camera angles and lighting akin to German Expressionist cinema.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Menu changes like protein cold foam have helped Starbucks draw both loyal and infrequent customers, Niccol told CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
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Discretionary Olympic spots are infrequent, but in 2023, fencer Olga Kharlan received a place at Paris 2024 from former IOC President Thomas Bach.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occasional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasional. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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