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
-
On Buffett’s watch since 1965, the company has sporadically invested in media.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
3 May 2025
-
Inter won a free kick in the first minute of the second half — and Chivu, who wore a sporadically unclasped rugby scrum cap during the game, blasted it wide from 40 yards out, emphasising their total disinterest in mounting any meaningful attack.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Adverb
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And that live-action look included Forest Whitaker sporting a very unique accessory in the form of a mask that Saw would periodically put over his face and inhale from.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
-
Keep the heat low and stir periodically to keep from sticking.—
Brian Bennett,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Adverb
-
There was rarely sensitivity to challenges to the international system, unless China’s interests were directly involved.—
Frank Lavin,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
These studios were rarely larger than a one-car garage, but the photographers’ results were as unique as their signatures.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 May 2025
Adverb
-
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
-
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 11 May. 2025.
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