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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Recent Examples of off and on
But Trish would continue to mention it, off and on, in the years ahead.
—
Tim Botos, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
These two men clashed off and on over decades of friendship and collaboration interrupted by icy public feuds, largely rooted in fights about Michael’s unrepentant drug use.
—Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
San Jose resident David Torres, 56, who has lived outside off and on for about 15 years, said city and water district employees tossed nearly all of his possessions during a January sweep of Penitencia Creek in San Jose, including new tools, food for his dogs and a bicycle.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
The city and San Diego Convention Center Corp. wrangled with FAL off and on for years to work out an agreement to regain control of the leaseholds.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for off and on
Tim Botos, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
These two men clashed off and on over decades of friendship and collaboration interrupted by icy public feuds, largely rooted in fights about Michael’s unrepentant drug use.
—Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
San Jose resident David Torres, 56, who has lived outside off and on for about 15 years, said city and water district employees tossed nearly all of his possessions during a January sweep of Penitencia Creek in San Jose, including new tools, food for his dogs and a bicycle.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025
The city and San Diego Convention Center Corp. wrangled with FAL off and on for years to work out an agreement to regain control of the leaseholds.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for off and on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off and on
Adverb
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Players trickled out sporadically, strolling to their respective vehicles, heading home for a little rest and relaxation prior to their game with the Sacramento Kings.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2025
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But the community doesn’t count on the wildflowers each year for tourism and an economic boost, because the bloom happens so sporadically.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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Mud, pebbles, and any kind of debris fall into the container as the footwear dries, allowing cleaning to be a one-step process of emptying the container periodically.—
Lauren Carpenter,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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But since 2002, they have been found periodically in Illinois, including one sighting in Pike County in 2012, officials say.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2025
Adverb
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Federal officials are taking steps to pull the authorization for two rarely used synthetic food colorings -- Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B -- within the coming months.—
Sony Salzman,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2025
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Flagship phones with these types of features rarely come this wallet‑friendly: the Motorola Moto Edge+ (2023) lands at just $399.99 (down from $799.99), delivering top‑tier power and stunning style without pushing past the four‑figure mark.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
22 Apr. 2025
Adverb
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Asiatic lilies are hybrids that stand very upright, producing 4- to 6-inch flowers on thick stems that seldom need staking.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2025
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The Kings appear increasingly fatigued because as many as five players are seldom used.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Off and on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off%20and%20on. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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