OFF AND ON Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

off and on

adverb

Definition of off and on

as in on and off

not constantly or steadily over a period of time They've been dating off and on for almost a year.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of off and on Amazon’s streaming service, Prime Video, is the most chaotic major company out there, seemingly random in its assembly of new and classic titles that shuffle off and on the platform every month. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 June 2026 The geese had been there off and on for days. — Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Between and among cover projects such as Holy Ghost Building and Gimme a Kickstart, Michael Roe, Mark Harmon, and Bruce Spencer worked on it off and on for 13 years. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 1 June 2026 Injuries limited him to 36 games last season and various ailments have dogged him off and on the past few years. — Greg Cote may 25, Miami Herald, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for off and on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for off and on

Adverb

Using a mask sporadically won’t deliver lasting results—think of it like a mini spa treatment for your hair rather than a one-off miracle fix.

— Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026
An elusive species that previously has only been seen sporadically in Idaho appears to have taken up permanent residence in the Gem State, according to a recent study led by University of Idaho researchers.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026

Definition of sporadically

Adverb

Edges in a 3-4 are built on ripping around the edge for sacks, but also asked to periodically fall off and cover in space.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
The combination cargo and cruise ship Aranui V is a frequent visitor on its sailings from Tahiti, while the luxurious Paul Gauguin also periodically visits from Tahiti.

— Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

Definition of periodically

Adverb

Nearly everyone knows someone with a disability, yet that familiarity rarely translates into investment, in part because some funders still assume the community is too small to warrant a dedicated strategy.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Modi, who rarely responds to criticism, has not publicly responded to the protesters’ demands.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of rarely

Browse Nearby Words

offal

off and on

off base

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Style

“Off and on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off%20and%20on. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of off and on

adverb

Example Sentences

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