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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 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 Colicky pain occurs as sudden spasmodic abdominal pain that occurs in cycles and then resolves. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Kennedy has also previously suggested that his spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder that can impact voice and speech, is a side effect of the flu vaccine. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 16 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • And while sporadic outbreaks have occurred since 2000, recent case counts are nothing compared with the 27,000 cases reported in 1990 or the 450,000 cases reported in 1964.
    Joe Murphy, NBC news, 8 May 2025
  • Since then, his sporadic public appearances have only fueled more discussion online about his well being.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The most reliably entertaining are the dryly sardonic Yelena Belova (Pugh) and the excitable, histrionic Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (a showily outsized Harbour).
    Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • Specifically, her plans to reform the taxation of capital gains have alarmed more than a few wealthy (and excitable) taxpayers.
    Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • With some occasional help from the Rockies, who committed three errors and one big mental mistake, the Padres (24-13) scored in five different innings.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • Goygol includes 65,000 residents, prim parks, tall pines and occasional Tyrolean architecture.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • A little nervous at first, Harry does well calling the boat in.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • The Trump administration became increasingly nervous at the prospect of a major war erupting in one of the most populous places on the planet.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to devotees—especially followers of ketogenic and paleo diets or intermittent fasting—this intriguing combo boosts energy and concentration.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Over time, this loop of expectation and intermittent reward can create addictive behavioral patterns similar to those seen in gambling.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The band’s message may have got slightly lost, however, amid their acid-trip screen visuals, military drag, and the climactic near-naked reveals, not to mention the sudden appearance of a rocket-straddling Vladimir Lenin impersonator who looked more like the Smurfs’ arch-nemesis Gargamel.
    Nick Allen, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • His retirement wasn’t sudden, and the scheduling team has slowly been preparing for this transition over the past few years.
    Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The president’s erratic policies are raising concerns the economy might be headed for a downturn, but history suggests that franchise values will continue to climb regardless.
    Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • The profile, however, reports some of his alleged erratic behavior, confusion, and troubling medical episodes.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 9 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spasmodic

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