Synonyms of spasmodic

spasmodic

adjective

spaz-ˈmä-dik 

1

as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence

spasmodic problems that we will have to deal with as they crop up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sporadic
• occasional
• intermittent
• sudden
• erratic
• spastic
• violent
• irregular
• discontinuous
• unsteady
• fitful
• unpredictable
• casual
• episodic
• aperiodic
• episodical
• spotty
• volatile
• choppy
• convulsive
• catchy
• random
• scattered
• fragmentary
• haphazard
• interrupted
• changeful
• aimless
• changing
• desultory
• varying
• broken
• uncertain
• disconnected
• unstable
• arbitrary
• stray
• mercurial
• unsettled
• capricious
• odd
• fluctuating
• inconstant
• variable
• slapdash
• temperamental
• hit-and-miss
• mutable
• hit-or-miss
• fluid
• wavering
• fickle
• changeable
• flickery

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuous
• constant
• periodic
• regular
• steady
• habitual
• repeated
• uniform
• stable
• stationary
• systematic
• even
• unchanging
• equable
• methodical
• orderly
• changeless
• unremitting
• unrelenting
• unvarying
• unwavering
• methodic

2

as in excitable

easily excited by nature

a talk show host who was famed for his edgy, spasmodic manner

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excitable
• nervous
• unstable
• hyperkinetic
• volatile
• hyper
• anxious
• emotional
• hyperexcitable
• hyperactive
• jumpy
• fluttery
• intense
• jittery
• high-strung
• skittery
• irritable
• flighty
• spooky
• volcanic
• skittish
• sensitive
• mercurial
• fiddle-footed
• soulful
• temperamental
• tense
• hot-blooded
• uptight
• dramatic
• hypersensitive
• histrionic
• nervy
• melodramatic
• irascible
• edgy
• emotionalistic
• flibbertigibbety
• testy
• perturbable
• touchy
• prickly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imperturbable
• nerveless
• unshakable
• unflappable
• collected
• calm
• unexcitable
• tranquil
• serene
• cool
• easy
• easygoing
• relaxed
• laid-back

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spasmodic contrast with its synonyms?

The words convulsive and fitful are common synonyms of spasmodic. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

When is convulsive a more appropriate choice than spasmodic?

The synonyms convulsive and spasmodic are sometimes interchangeable, but convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

When is it sensible to use fitful instead of spasmodic?

While in some cases nearly identical to spasmodic, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spasmodic

Most people have adductor spasmodic dysphonia, which causes the voice to sound strained, tight and hoarse. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

Here’s what to know about how common spasmodic dysphonia is, what causes it, and how it’s treated. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025

That's the result of a rare neurological condition known as spasmodic dysphonia, which has afflicted Kennedy for decades. —Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025

Wearing a bowler hat, his physical movements and magnetic smile often mirrored the spasmodic motion of the songs. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024