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
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Recent Examples of occasional
The back seats are more occasional—think of them like the ones in the back of a Porsche 911, there for small children, small pets, more luggage, or emergencies.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
Though the two fueled speculation last year with occasional public outings, neither has publicly commented on the status of their relationship.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Plant your plum in a sunny location with well-draining soil, and provide occasional watering when the soil is dry.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Regular deadheading and occasional pruning help petunias regrow fuller and rebloom more consistently.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
Though the two fueled speculation last year with occasional public outings, neither has publicly commented on the status of their relationship.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Plant your plum in a sunny location with well-draining soil, and provide occasional watering when the soil is dry.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Regular deadheading and occasional pruning help petunias regrow fuller and rebloom more consistently.
—Jane Kim, The Spruce, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasional
Adjective
-
Still, there were sporadic reports by advocates of crackdowns targeting homeless people.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 June 2026
-
Also, because hantavirus outbreaks are so sporadic and unpredictable, that virus is much harder to study compared with a common germ that regularly circulates, such as the flu.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Inspector Thomas Lynley, eighth earl of Asherton and generally natty guy played by Nathaniel Parker, and his distinctly working-class and perpetually disheveled sergeant, Barbara Havers (Sharon Small), creates a classic odd-couple mix that allows some actual insight into issues of class and gender.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Richmond’s last years were odd.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
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.—
ABC News,
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
Adjective
-
That real trust can be rare, from knowing other young lads (at Liverpool) and their experiences on loan.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
Exhibits in the visitor center include a $1 million display, rare coins and historic bills.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Brexton Busch, the 11-year-old son of NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch, did something for the first time since the sudden and tragic passing of his father.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
His wife looks at me with sudden seriousness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
14 June 2026
-
During this time a powerful line of storms is possible with damaging wind gusts 60 to 70 mph, hail, heavy downpours, intense and frequent lightning, and the possibility of an isolated tornado.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
The lobby is filled with well-to-do patrons, and seeing children in tow is not unusual.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
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In the case of the female individual, the authors noted an unusual break at the base of the cranium that likely occurred near the time of death.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Yet, big federal projects are slow and infrequent, meaning that Chattanooga presents the first concrete (or stone, rather) evidence of how architects will respond.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
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The unidentified American woman was stuck on Pitcairn, an island with only about 50 inhabitants, no airport and infrequent maritime options to depart.—
Matthew Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occasional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasional. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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