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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

Example 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 Most people have adductor spasmodic dysphonia, which causes the voice to sound strained, tight and hoarse. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025 Here’s what to know about how common spasmodic dysphonia is, what causes it, and how it’s treated. Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025 That's the result of a rare neurological condition known as spasmodic dysphonia, which has afflicted Kennedy for decades. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025 Wearing a bowler hat, his physical movements and magnetic smile often mirrored the spasmodic motion of the songs. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Anyone familiar with the world of the Grateful Dead knows that one of the band’s most devoted and excitable fans was the late Bill Walton, the illustrious Hall of Fame NBA center who died in May 2024 at 71.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
  • Groups of excitable teenage boys waited their turn to play EA FC on a bank of massive flat screen TVs.
    James Montague, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • While a few breeds, such as the Turkish Van, are known to enjoy the occasional swim, the average house cat is famously water-averse.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Having the occasional treat or missing a workout is okay.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The video highlighted how visibly nervous Jessie was while using jokes to get through the show.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025
  • There’s nothing to be nervous about going into a spray tan.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • After intermittent closures last week, the intersection opened and the new signal system turned on Thursday.
    Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 6 June 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • In the wake of multiple plane crashes, and amid erratic federal policies and denials and detentions at border crossings, summer travel in the U.S. is in an uneasy state.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • Orlov was statistically consistent, but his defensive play was often erratic.
    Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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