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
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Recent Examples of off and on
But off and on for the past week, The Kelly Clarkson Show has aired without its namesake host.
—
Justin Curto, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2025
Yet for busy business travelers or families looking to catch their breath after bracing crowded TSA lines and taking their shoes off and on, the facilities meet basic needs.
—Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
He’s worked on the Oscars off and on since 1989, the year of the infamous Rob Lowe-Snow White … whatever the hell that was.
—Maer Roshan, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
It was meant to be a two-week painting trip, but Hood stayed, off and on, for the next 20 years.
—Grace Edquist, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for off and on
Justin Curto, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2025
Yet for busy business travelers or families looking to catch their breath after bracing crowded TSA lines and taking their shoes off and on, the facilities meet basic needs.
—Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
He’s worked on the Oscars off and on since 1989, the year of the infamous Rob Lowe-Snow White … whatever the hell that was.
—Maer Roshan, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
It was meant to be a two-week painting trip, but Hood stayed, off and on, for the next 20 years.
—Grace Edquist, Vogue, 13 Feb. 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 3 May. 2025.
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