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
Kaiser is also working with a team of astronomers in France to look for any changes in the position of Mars that might be caused by the occasional passage of a PBH through our solar system.
—
Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
But none was catching more than the occasional fish.
—Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Yet Adell’s physical tools and occasional highlights scream stardom.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
The same might happen in occasional users, whose REM sleep could theoretically become more intense as the acute effects of weed wears off during the night.
—Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026
But none was catching more than the occasional fish.
—Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Yet Adell’s physical tools and occasional highlights scream stardom.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
The same might happen in occasional users, whose REM sleep could theoretically become more intense as the acute effects of weed wears off during the night.
—Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasional
Adjective
-
In recent years, however, enforcement was sporadic, allowing vendors selling food, souvenirs and other goods to operate near Millennium Park.—
Laura Rodríguez Presa,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
-
Many of Myanmar’s resource-rich areas, where most mining operations have been largely unregulated, are controlled by different armed militias engaged in sporadic fighting against the central government to seek greater autonomy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Some kind of carpet beetle, with the odd centipede joining the parade.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Here, as ever, Kokopeli suggests that clinging to youthful talismans offers no protection against uncertainty, and reasserts the odd mix of disaffection and morbid glee produced by such reactionary impulses.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Details of the forum focused on the intermittent water supply affecting an overall population of nearly 10 million people were published Thursday by the official website Cubadebate.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
-
Timing and exact coverage remain less certain this far out, but intermittent rounds of showers and storms look likely Saturday through Monday.—
Nelly Carreño,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
For those staying at Elang Private Residence, meals can be directed by the guests or left to the chef, serving up, say, lamb satay on sugarcane skewers, seafood with mango sambal, slices of rare beef with tiny pots of rendang sauce.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
The ability to disconnect intentionally from these overwhelming stimuli—to reclaim one’s focus, clarity, and feeling of immediacy—has become rare and precious.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
-
There was a sudden flourishing of knives, blades flashing in the market lights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
These close-range interactions cause the particles to act collectively rather than as independent units, generating physical properties that cannot be extrapolated by looking at single, isolated atoms.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
7 June 2026
-
Unfortunately, Saturday night's rain wasn't enough to curb our drought conditions and rain chances are limited this week with only isolated thunderstorms Wednesday through the weekend.—
Andrew Kozak,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Since arriving at the zoo, the buffalo has attracted large crowds and sparked debate over its unusual nickname.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
What’s unusual is to see these elements presented so grandly on a stage as big as The Bushnell’s and presented in a manner that doesn’t compromise a dark tale of anger, revenge, dangerous romance, desperation and survival.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Training runs were expensive but infrequent.—
Satyabrat Chowdhury,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Allstate’s MileWise pay-per-mile plan can save infrequent drivers up to 40% over a traditional policy.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Occasional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasional. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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