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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

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 spasmodic In Nigeria, Baba has worked through record heat and spasmodic, severe rainfalls. thehustle.co, 12 Apr. 2024 Some had common themes: posture, plugged ears, the power of mind over spasmodic clenching of the diaphragm, which is basically what a hiccup is. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024 Ahmadinejad’s final years in office were spent battling open subversion by the rest of the establishment as well as the spasmodic crises -- hyperinflation, the currency crash, product shortages -- sparked by the sanctions regime. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2013 The music is a spasmodic mix of heavy metal, techno, and trap. Leila Sales, SPIN, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for spasmodic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
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
  • Thank you for being the most generous, excitable, magical crowds, and for breaking the all time attendance record for the stadium all 3 nights.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • There’s naïve Jill (Nicola Turner and then, in adulthood, Helena Wilson), excitable Ruby (Sophia Ally and Ophelia Lovibond), and fretful Gloria (Nancy Allsop and Leanne Best); and then—played by Lara McDonnell as a teen and by Donnelly in a pointed piece of double-casting as an adult—there’s Joan.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 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
  • Tyler Hines did such an amazing job of being a mentor this season, and a supporter for all of us nervous guys in the middle of a competition.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Read more Auto giants are getting nervous about the prospect of mega fines as EV demand falters ‘Europe’s Detroit’ built a thriving car industry.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 11 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 spasmodic

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spasmodic

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