off and on

adverb

Definition of off and onnext
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.

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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 Although Walker and Gaul continued seeing each other off and on until Gaul was a freshman in college, Walker eventually ended their relationship for good after a series of concerning incidents. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026 The character was originated in 2009 by Nathan Dean, who played him off and on through 2020, and returned in April for a three-month stint on the soap. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026 Robertson Property Group has been conducting renovations in the theater off and on for the past several years, but there is currently no prospective opening date. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 21 July 2026 Pharis continued to get minor rashes, off and on, for the next four years. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for off and on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off and on
  1. sporadically
  2. intermittently
  3. periodically
  4. rarely
  5. seldom
Adverb
  • Hogan added that the market could experience more trading days like this sporadically over the coming months if sentiment remains subdued amid tensions in the Middle East.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Bators died in 1990, but the group sporadically reunited and toured in the decades after.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of sporadically
Adverb
  • Encore revisits that album’s musical ingredients and amorous but intermittently cantankerous spirit.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Prison staff intermittently shut off Maier's water access to prevent him from flooding his cell, but didn't properly document when the water was turned on or off, the Dodge County Sheriff's Office investigation found.
    — Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of intermittently
Adverb
  • Tens of thousands of people periodically march in major cities demanding action from lawmakers and blaming real estate speculators as well as tourist apartment platforms like Airbnb for rising rents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Organizations should periodically ask whether their indicators still reflect their mission or whether reporting requirements have slowly begun shaping program choices.
    — Ekramy El Zaghat, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of periodically
Adverb
  • These behaviors were rarely seen in the absence of cocaine, illustrating how a normally varied set of actions can become restricted to a persistent behavioral pattern, according to a press release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
  • With 1,884 yards, 18 touchdowns and only one interception while completing 75% of his passes this season, Orange High’s junior quarterback has rarely faltered when dropping back.
    — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of rarely
Adverb
  • Modern-day musicians still reinvent themselves musically, but seldom visually.
    — Sadie Kargman, Allure, 28 Sep. 2026
  • But records suggest regulatory requirements have seldom interfered with an ALF’s ability to remain open.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of seldom

Browse Nearby Words

offal
off and on
off base
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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