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
  • The system recorded 15 sporadic eruptions between October 2010 and January 2011, and eruptions remained few and far between until October 2017.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • But this follows the introduction of the iPhone 16e last year, a departure from the sporadic releases of its previous budget smartphone, the SE line.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • But where Dad is excitable, McGonigle is more reserved.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When the music did start, with only two band members in tow (and some occasional backing tracks), that drummer mostly used mallets, and stuck toward accents more than beats, to keep things to the hushed mode she’s known for.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Although police conduct occasional drug busts, the area remains one of the city’s largest open-air drug markets.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • What’s the pitch to talent, and how many are genuinely nervous about getting stuff wrong?
    Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026
  • This has been an area of strength recently, but these stocks will definitely pull back if the market gets nervous about whatever’s about to happen in Iran.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The gray, white, and blue stripes, accented with an intermittent chevron pattern, add interest, while moderate distressing helps disguise everyday wear and tear.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Industry insiders have spoken of intermittent communication from Noma buyers and have alluded to them pitting farmers against each other in pursuit of better prices.
    Emily Wilson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The device could also be used to damp vibrations in aerospace vehicles, ships, and aircraft, and to provide a shield for sensitive military hardware and scientific instruments that are vulnerable to sudden shock.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Oviedo has been excellent in each of his last two outings after a somewhat erratic spring debut, most recently striking out four over 3 1/3 scoreless innings in Saturday’s win over the Rays.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But the woman’s time on the stand was also contentious and erratic at times.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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