Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fitful contrast with its synonyms?

The words convulsive and spasmodic are common synonyms of fitful. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

Where would convulsive be a reasonable alternative to fitful?

Although the words convulsive and fitful have much in common, convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

How do spasmodic and fitful relate to one another?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

Examples 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 fitful What sets whooping cough apart from other respiratory illness are the prolonged and fitful coughs, which last at least three weeks and can persist for many months, Nolt said. Emma Bowman, NPR, 21 Sep. 2024 The pacing is fitful: only toward the end of the first act does the central conflict emerge. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 The possible fundraising move comes amid a fitful year for Boeing marked by a quality crisis, a CEO shake-up and now a crippling strike. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024 Regardless, his priorities lay elsewhere, in dealing with the Great Recession and winding down the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and throughout his first term, Latin America received only fitful attention. Michael Reid, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2015 See all Example Sentences for fitful 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fitful
Adjective
  • The friends exchanged sporadic texts over subsequent months but never saw each other in person after that.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Such an approach to celebration helps create a sustainable culture where innovation thrives continuously rather than in sporadic bursts.
    Alain Hunkins, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Steinem has long-term plans to make her home a place where women can gather for discussion and occasional refuge.
    Sarah Medford, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Whatever your choice, preparation and recovery are key to maintaining healthy skin while enjoying occasional drinks (or not), Dr. Kohli concludes.
    Sanjana Ray, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Hegseth and his supporters have defended his resume, which includes degrees from Princeton and Harvard and intermittent service over 20 years in the Army National Guard, which included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, achieving the rank of major, and advocating for veterans.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Like other parts of the home, toilets need intermittent repairs, especially to their valves, gaskets, and flanges—not to mention the occasional toilet unclogging.
    Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
  • At the time, Variety reported the sudden move was likely a way for Warner Bros. Discovery to cut streaming-content costs.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Ana Navarro and Whoopi Goldberg clashed on The View over their opposing perspectives about how to take on Donald Trump‘s erratic policies ahead of his inauguration in January amid the holidays.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Whitfield was acting erratic and running naked around his parents' home when officers arrived.
    Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near fitful

Cite this Entry

“Fitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fitful. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fitful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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