periodically

adverb

Definition of periodicallynext
1
as in regularly
at regular intervals New editions are released periodically.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in occasionally
on some occasions Though he now lives across town, he still periodically visits the old diner.

Related Words

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 periodically So a group of white nationalists hiding behind masks periodically shows up in the nation’s capital, struggles to navigate basic public transportation, and walks around taking videos of themselves. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Now led by co-founder Jerry Raney, the Beat Farmers reunite periodically and their annual Hootenanny shows at the Belly Up are reliably rollicking affairs. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 The Million Dollar Highway is open year-round, but it’s periodically closed to clear rockslides and avalanches. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026 The risk of all this is that Ebola becomes endemic, continually threatening millions in Central Africa while periodically casting sparks into the rest of the world. — Allison Deangelis, STAT, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for periodically
Recent Examples of Synonyms for periodically
  1. regularly
  2. occasionally
  3. frequently
  4. rarely
  5. continuously
  6. seldom
Adverb
  • She is regularly cited as one of the most influential figures in popular culture of the 21st century.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 8 July 2026
  • MrBeast, a YouTuber who stages elaborate stunts, such as a real-life Squid Game, regularly gets hundreds of millions of views.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of regularly
Adverb
  • O’Donnell will also continue in her role as senior correspondent for the network, occasionally anchoring specials.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Continue to cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over and tender, 3 to 4 minutes more.
    — Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 8 July 2026
Definition of occasionally
Adverb
  • Get regular brake, tire and filter inspections Brakes, tires and filter frequently wear down and need to be replaced.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • High-speed Frecciarossa trains run frequently from major cities like Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Venice.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of frequently
Adverb
  • Infections, other immune-system stressors and, more rarely, brain injuries may also contribute in genetically susceptible individuals.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Even so, there’s rarely a backup of more than one hole, which is a credit to the course design and its wide selection of distances off the tee.
    — Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 7 July 2026
Definition of rarely
Adverb
  • Scaling breakthrough propulsion Unlike conventional rocket engines that rely on subsonic combustion, Venus’ RDRE generates thrust through a continuously rotating supersonic detonation wave inside the combustion chamber.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026
  • Hitler fought on the Western Front from 1914 to 1918 almost continuously.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of continuously
Adverb
  • Haaland has been the World Cup’s biggest personality; a self-deprecating, smiling figurehead that has seldom looked happier than in a golden month with Norway.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • Founders seldom hire solely based on a pristine GPA or the prestige of your university alone.
    — Vikram Joshi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of seldom

Browse Nearby Words

periodical
periodically
periodicals
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Periodically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/periodically. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All