Definition of spasmodicnext
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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 To what was such a spasmodic discord owed? Julio Cortázar, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025 Kennedy, 71, has spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological condition in which the muscles that open and close his vocal cords spasm involuntarily, creating a strained or strangled quality to his speech. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 Hearing the diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia from the specialist was devastating. David Chiu, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but there are treatments available. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • There were sporadic injuries reported as well as some arrests and property damage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
  • Flowers nearly cover the plant in spring, followed by sporadic blooms throughout the season.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • An unexpected collaboration opportunity is very possible under today’s trine between excitable Mars and erratic Uranus.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • At the Ricardo residence in the ’50s sitcom I Love Lucy, over-the-top housewife Lucy and Ricky, her excitable husband, were always getting into some sort of entertaining hijinks.
    Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The concentrated schedule created a sense of occasion and urgency that is diluted when games are spread across Thursdays, occasional Wednesdays, Friday holidays, Saturday nights, Sunday mornings and multiple streaming-exclusive windows.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • This is a play that takes young people and their problems seriously, while incorporating occasional humor into the script and direction.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • There was laughter, nervous laughter, lots of nervous laughter, and also tears.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 19 May 2026
  • Providing the voice of one of the many alien characters is Martin Scorsese, who has some amusing moments with his typically rapid-fire delivery as a nervous street food vendor whom Djarin pumps for information.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to Costigan and McIntyre, one 4-hour USB-charge should be good for seven to eight hours of runtime in high-intensity intermittent mode, or approximately 14 hours in the lowest-intensity steady output mode.
    Ben Coxworth May 15, New Atlas, 15 May 2026
  • But 2026 has marked a new nadir for one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with the government’s massacre of anti-regime protestors in January and widespread destruction from the United States’ and Israel’s intermittent war.
    Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lake Baikal, often described as an inland sea because of its enormous size, is notorious for sudden storms and icy conditions even during tourist season, according to National Geographic.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
  • About 50,000 Americans experience sudden retinal detachment each year, requiring urgent surgery to avoid permanent vision loss.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Price Outlook Cotton prices continued to move higher over the past month, but the pattern has become more erratic.
    SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
  • Technology cycles are shorter, markets are more erratic and competition is becoming more worldwide.
    Raheel Sheikh, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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