Definition of spasmodicnext
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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

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 spasmodic Kennedy, 71, has spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological condition in which the muscles that open and close his vocal cords spasm involuntarily, creating a strained or strangled quality to his speech. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 Hearing the diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia from the specialist was devastating. David Chiu, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Ahead of his confirmation hearing, articles about the sound of his voice and his spasmodic dysphonia have been in the news. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but there are treatments available. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • Roberts said Kim would benefit from getting more consistent playing time in Triple-A rather than getting sporadic playing time in the major leagues.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Borek credited Muszelik with perhaps an even tougher challenge of having to stave off sporadic waves, versus the consistent pressure Lundgren faced.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Between each dance was an excruciating silence during which network-TV producers monitored and reset their equipment while the men fidgeted onstage like excitable children.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Lego Galaxy hopes to draw visitors — and perhaps new audiences — by focusing on slicker, more modern technology and injecting in the park the sort of excitable ride more commonly found at Legoland’s Southern California competitors.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mostly playing garbage time minutes for the Lakers, or the occasional start when injuries depleted the game-day roster, Bronny James stepped into rotation minutes in Indiana.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Driving east on Route 80 toward the Meta site in Holly Ridge, an unincorporated rural community about 15 minutes east of Rayville—the landscape is defined by flat expanses of soybean and cotton fields, punctuated by grain silos, grazing cows, and the occasional tractor.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even small amounts of mercury can cause severe damage to the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as to the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Four more years of antibiotics made Morales nervous.
    Eric Boodman, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • While Coptic Christians have long faced discrimination and intermittent violence in Egypt, attacks during this period intensified in both scale and public visibility.
    Candace Lukasik, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Robert Kearns, a Michigan engineer, invented the intermittent windshield wiper in the 1960s.
    Ugo Troiano, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The sudden rise of Tyler Ballgame from the Eagle Rock scene is something Perry seems to feel some ambivalence about.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Slate had a history of squatting in the building, threatening residents, and acting in an erratic fashion, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's office.
    Tara Molina, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Stroud’s development has stalled in Houston, where the Texans’ offensive line has long been a problem but can’t explain his erratic decision-making and dumbfounding turnovers.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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