1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
the weekend forecast is for occasional showers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in odd
not often occurring or repeated
an occasional mechanical problem with our car, but nothing serious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of occasional
In the Curator’s Words is an occasional series that takes a critical look at current exhibitions through the eyes of curators.
—
Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025
Even the most thoughtful gifts, cards, and flowers aren’t enough to feed and educate a family, to pay for childcare, healthcare, and housing, plus maybe a dinner out and the occasional vacation.
—Augustine Sedgewick, Time, 13 June 2025
For nine months, Juan had been mostly silent, offering only occasional smiles or gestures.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 12 June 2025
AccuWeather In the east, states including Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, New Jersey, and New York could also see occasional impacts.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 June 2025
Even the most thoughtful gifts, cards, and flowers aren’t enough to feed and educate a family, to pay for childcare, healthcare, and housing, plus maybe a dinner out and the occasional vacation.
—Augustine Sedgewick, Time, 13 June 2025
For nine months, Juan had been mostly silent, offering only occasional smiles or gestures.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 12 June 2025
AccuWeather In the east, states including Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, New Jersey, and New York could also see occasional impacts.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasional
Adjective
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Though the May 31 eruption is the only one caught on official video, the USGS has received several reports of other sporadic eruptions over the past year.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
1 June 2025
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My spring crops were slow to develop this year, stifled by sporadic frosts and bouts of dry weather.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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This was more like a caterpillar body with odd patterns on its plates and a snapping turtle mouth.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
9 June 2025
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On top of that, 1972 was the year NASDAQ was set up and 3,000 odd new companies entered the public arena.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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After intermittent closures last week, the intersection opened and the new signal system turned on Thursday.—
Kathryn Kovalenko,
Twin Cities,
6 June 2025
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While the tech industry is also using solar and wind power, their intermittent nature means stable electricity supplies generated by nuclear reactors — but also coal and natural gas — is in high demand.—
Bloomberg News,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Baugh’s cutting ability and wiggle at 6-foot ¾, 230 pounds are rare.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2025
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Rahmani said cases against protesters passing out supplies are rare but legally possible.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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Written in Latin, the coroners' rolls are records of sudden or suspicious deaths as investigated by a jury of local men, called together by the coroner to establish facts and reach a verdict.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
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After Earps’ announcement, Wiegman was asked what her long-time goalkeeper’s sudden international retirement two months before a major tournament said about the unity of the team.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 June 2025
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Her mission is clear—to help other women navigate their journey without feeling isolated.—
Sophie Okolo,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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These however, are unusual times that call for something more.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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The unusual incident was documented on a Reddit page dedicated to all things Walmart.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Now, telescopes are just a small corner of the store, and sales are infrequent.—
Eric Bangeman – Jun 4,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2025
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Traditional Procurement Systems And Processes One of the main causes of shadow spending is difficult-to-use purchasing systems and processes, especially for infrequent users.—
Alex Saric,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Occasional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasional. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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