Synonyms of sporadic

sporadic

adjective

spə-ˈra-dik 

1

as in occasional

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence

sporadic loud noises kept startling everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in infrequent

not often occurring or repeated

so long as the complaints remain sporadic, we're doing fine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• occasional
• infrequent
• odd
• isolated
• rare
• unusual
• uncommon
• intermittent
• scattered
• scarce
• few and far between
• discontinuous
• unique
• erratic
• spasmodic
• irregular
• fitful
• spotty
• unsteady
• choppy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• frequent
• regular
• daily
• common
• ordinary
• routine

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sporadic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of sporadic are infrequent, rare, scarce, and uncommon. While all these words mean "not common or abundant," sporadic implies occurrence in scattered instances or isolated outbursts.

sporadic cases of influenza

When is it sensible to use infrequent instead of sporadic?

Although the words infrequent and sporadic have much in common, infrequent implies occurrence at wide intervals in space or time.

infrequent family visits

When is rare a more appropriate choice than sporadic?

The meanings of rare and sporadic largely overlap; however, rare suggests extreme scarcity or infrequency and often implies consequent high value.

rare first editions

Where would scarce be a reasonable alternative to sporadic?

While the synonyms scarce and sporadic are close in meaning, scarce implies falling short of a standard or required abundance.

jobs were scarce during the Depression

When would uncommon be a good substitute for sporadic?

The synonyms uncommon and sporadic are sometimes interchangeable, but uncommon suggests a frequency below normal expectation.

smallpox is now uncommon in many countries

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sporadic

Because the kitchen is shared, the burger restaurant’s service is sporadic. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

There were sporadic film entries from the 1970s on, but most of Saint’s work during that era (and well into the 2000s) would be for television. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Customers increasingly found their once-beloved store stocked with sporadic, often sparse assortments in their favorite categories. — Rachel Felder, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026

Others look further back to early and sporadic insurgent activity in 1964, before the UDI, or to 1965, the year of the UDI (November 11) itself. — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!