on-again, off-again

adjective

ˈȯn-ə-ˈgen-ˈȯf-ə-ˈgen How to pronounce on-again, off-again (audio)
: existing briefly and in an intermittent unpredictable way
on-again, off-again fads

Examples of on-again, off-again in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Global fuel prices have fallen somewhat amid the on-again, off-again ceasefire. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 10 July 2026 Last month, Aaron Boone said that Stanton suffered a setback in his on-again, off-again rehab. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026 That year Scott also began an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with television personality Kylie Jenner, whose sister Kim Kardashian was married to Kanye West. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 July 2026 The spot at 3959 Broadway was an on-again, off-again affair, reported The Pitch in 2015. — Jenna Thompson july 6, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for on-again, off-again

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on-again, off-again was in 1946

Rhymes for on-again, off-again

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Browse Nearby Words

on a full stomach
on-again, off-again
onager
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Cite this Entry

“On-again, off-again.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on-again%2C%20off-again. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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