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
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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, 3 Aug. 2025
Movements of the SSGNs are also highly classified, but in recent years the Navy made occasional note of their presence near military hotspots, to send a message of deterrence.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
The Sun practice either inside Mohegan Sun Arena or at the nearby Mohegan Tribal Community and Government Center — a mixed-use facility that also serves as a public space for tribal members, resulting in the occasional overlap of Connecticut practices with community events, like birthday parties.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
Softer floors start with an area rug, and Wayfair has a bunch from Martha Stewart’s coveted collection that are built for feet, pet paws, and the occasional wine spill—all up to 73% off.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Movements of the SSGNs are also highly classified, but in recent years the Navy made occasional note of their presence near military hotspots, to send a message of deterrence.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
The Sun practice either inside Mohegan Sun Arena or at the nearby Mohegan Tribal Community and Government Center — a mixed-use facility that also serves as a public space for tribal members, resulting in the occasional overlap of Connecticut practices with community events, like birthday parties.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
Softer floors start with an area rug, and Wayfair has a bunch from Martha Stewart’s coveted collection that are built for feet, pet paws, and the occasional wine spill—all up to 73% off.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for occasional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasional
Adjective
-
However, reaching these outcomes takes more than just sporadic posts.—
Jonathan Schwartz,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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The monsoon season is now here and has brought deadly flash flooding along old burn scars in Ruidoso, New Mexico, while distributing sporadic rain in the state’s Gila National Forest.—
Abe Streep,
ProPublica,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The ever-changing face of modern gin has birthed many styles to pique the palate of the gin aficionado—or anyone partial to the odd G&T.—
Camille Berry,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
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Depicted as short and animalistic in the comics, the tall, hunky Jackman seemed like an odd fit, but his interpretation of the retractable-clawed superhero is now definitive in mainstream popular culture.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The five-time All-Star reportedly committed to a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that was founded upon intermittent fasting and consuming at least 250 grams of protein daily.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
28 July 2025
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Grid-scale batteries to store renewable energy—an important means of making the intermittent energy supply from sun and wind match times of energy demand—were scarce in 2015.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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What will replace the rare French glass HBO (Max) shattered with a random Friday-afternoon rock?—
Rachel Handler,
Vulture,
1 Aug. 2025
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These might include water retention, injection site irritation or, in rare cases, hormonal imbalances if the peptides are affecting growth hormone levels.—
Taylor Lane,
Flow Space,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Then Kings of Leon and Black Keys come out of Nashville and then all of a sudden the diversity of the music that was coming out of there started to really grow over a short period of time.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
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While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Summer storms cause travel headaches every year, but these numbers are not unusual.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
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Their target area was unusual, though: a strip of lawn between the road and a fence bordering Interstate 65, where homeless people have set up about two dozen tents over the first half of this year.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 July 2025
Adjective
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The leader’s long stints outside the country and infrequent public appearances have prompted speculation about his health, but Sunday’s announcement on X confirmed his intention to stand again.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
14 July 2025
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The funding notice underscored the need for U.S. facilities to provide critical societal and economic services during infrequent high-impact events that may cause electricity grid outages.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Occasional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/occasional. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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