1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
the weekend forecast is for occasional showers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
An employee made the rounds, cleaning ahead of Tuesday’s opening as the occasional delivery person dropped off provisions from a side entrance.
—
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
The conversation continues on the cabin’s rickety porch, witnessed only by a symphony of crickets, cicadas and the occasional freight train passing in the night.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
An occasional middle finger is part of the local package.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
During this time, Ludwinski sold Sister Pie goods at Eastern Market on specific dates and offered limited items with occasional openings.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
The conversation continues on the cabin’s rickety porch, witnessed only by a symphony of crickets, cicadas and the occasional freight train passing in the night.
—Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
An occasional middle finger is part of the local package.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
During this time, Ludwinski sold Sister Pie goods at Eastern Market on specific dates and offered limited items with occasional openings.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasional
Adjective
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Last winter was especially dry, and the monsoon was sporadic across the state this summer with above-normal temperatures.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Flowers nearly cover the plant in spring, followed by sporadic blooms throughout the season.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The scams are odd — but fraudsters can sound incredibly convincing.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Florida fans can point to a pair of other odd, momentum-killing moments.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Advertisement There have also been intermittent drug shortages that have affected doctors’ ability to quickly treat pregnant people with syphilis, Finley says.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
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For a large utility like TVA, the exploration of fusion is part of a long-term strategy to identify reliable, on-demand, and non-emitting power sources that can operate alongside intermittent renewables like solar and wind.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The new qubits rely on erbium, a rare-earth element valued for its clean optical properties and strong magnetic interactions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Oct. 2025
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Instant Game Maker gives kids the rare thrill of turning their doodles into actual playable video games.—
Emily Glover,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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To judge from the sudden and rapid infiltration of artificial intelligence into every corner of our daily lives, these wishes are coming true.—
Gary Greenberg,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
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Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, the indie is set in the near future, where a retired soldier’s isolated existence is shattered when a runaway female android seeks refuge on his farm, sparking an unexpected bond that forces them to fight for their survival and for each other.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
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Between October 15 and 20, isolated showers are forecast, with temperatures expected to turn cooler.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
News about the meeting broke Thursday, and no reason was initially provided for the unusual gathering.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
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Something tat the grand jury already decided on one count, which is very, very un -- very, very unusual for a grand jury.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Our overseas relatives followed her example, connecting through regular emails and calls and supporting Amber, who treasured their infrequent visits back to Australia.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
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And, while Shi was present to hear anger boil over again at the weekend, visits from his bosses are infrequent and the club represent a small part of Fosun’s huge international portfolio.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Occasional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasional. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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