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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 has spoken candidly about his experience living with spasmodic dysphonia. Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 The most common type of spasmodic dysphonia is called adductor dysphonia, which accounts for 80% of cases. Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • Rogers continued to make sporadic appearances on General Hospital throughout the next decade, and since 2019, had appeared as a recurring character.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • This approach is safer and more sustainable than sporadic AI projects or the unregulated use of tools.
    Mike Kiersey, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, knowing that excitable dogs might overreact to moving images can inform desensitization approaches.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2025
  • Willie Garson brought ample laughs in Freaky Friday as Evan, an excitable patient of Curtis' Tess.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cast-iron pots and pans require occasional seasoning to restore a fading nonstick surface.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • True leadership development isn’t about checking a box with occasional training.
    Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But as Trump appears to ignore court decisions and high-level administration officials are suggesting suspending the writ of habeas corpus, Bolick is nervous the United States is heading toward authoritarianism.
    Amanda Luberto, AZCentral.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Students, meanwhile, often get nervous about asking for clarification or diving deeper into a topic in front of their peers.
    Shelbie Witte, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The rapper’s intermittent social media posts were ultimately followed by his Thursday morning arrest.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • An experienced hiker who had completed several solo trips in challenging conditions, Luhn knew cell service would be spotty and warned his wife any communications from inside the park would be intermittent.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Be aware of sudden re-direction of fires in response to passing outflow boundaries.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As observed through their youngest daughter as the film’s protagonist, a family of six’s move to a new home seems to trigger erratic, dangerous behavior in their oldest son.
    Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The tech industry can be easy to hate—the erratic CEOs, the biased algorithms, the environmental damage.
    Sarah Rose Etter, The Atlantic, 6 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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