as in on and off
not constantly or steadily over a period of time
They've been dating off and on for almost a year.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of off and on
Bell also flexed into the backfield as a fullback, something Van Pelt has experimented with off and on.
—
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2024
The issue was resolved by toggling the eSIM off and on in Settings.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Well, how about the advice to turn your smartphone off and on again weekly to prevent or mitigate spear-phishing campaigns to install spyware, malware and/or zero-click exploits for starters.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Instead of turning it off and on, consider reducing the temperature by a few degrees.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for off and on 
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2024
The issue was resolved by toggling the eSIM off and on in Settings.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Well, how about the advice to turn your smartphone off and on again weekly to prevent or mitigate spear-phishing campaigns to install spyware, malware and/or zero-click exploits for starters.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Instead of turning it off and on, consider reducing the temperature by a few degrees.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for off and on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off and on
Adverb
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But aside from the sporadically interesting anecdote or observation, most of the talking head discussion don’t illuminate what isn’t already plain to see.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2025
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For years, the list of foods in the thrifty plan was updated only sporadically.—
Matthew Yglesias,
The Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Listen to this article Homeowners and HOAs periodically face major construction contracts for renovation or repairs, particularly after a disaster.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Jan. 2025
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Relationship Questioned at Trial A$AP Rocky Trial: Everything To Know About Shooting As Court Starts A$AP Rocky's Various Legal Troubles A$AP Rocky's legal troubles date back even further, reflecting a pattern of incidents that have periodically interrupted his career.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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The show bends over backward to explain that the Sinatra nickname comes from Samantha’s frequent use of hats, even though Nicholson’s head is rarely covered.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
28 Jan. 2025
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Experts say such hearings are rarely granted and even more rarely successful.—
Michael Ruiz,
Fox News,
28 Jan. 2025
Adverb
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Placekickers are seldom stars in the NFL, but Tucker is an exception.—
Ethan Millman,
Rolling Stone,
30 Jan. 2025
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The hotel sourced artisans specializing in rare techniques seldom used for interiors anymore.—
Jennifer Flowers,
AFAR Media,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near off and on
Cite this Entry
“Off and on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off%20and%20on. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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