Definition of spasmodicnext
1
2

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
  • The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.
    David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
  • Redevelopment in downtown Miami and the accidental discovery of the mysterious Miami Circle in 1998 have ushered in a quarter-century of sporadic but remarkable archaeological revelations.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The studio released the official trailer for the film on Thursday, showing Edgar-Jones as the formidable Elinor Dashwood; Esmé Creed-Miles as her excitable sister, Marianne; and Bodhi Rae Breathnach as their youngest sibling, Margaret.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • The excitable kids had been instructed several times to give Bryce Young room.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Luke Russert joined his father for major political conventions and occasional shows on the road, Fischer Martin said.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • This frequent, high-profile casting strategy, distinct from occasional star cameos, transforms 'Oh, Mary' into a dynamic, high-demand theatrical experience.
    Katie North, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • At Clis boutique in Melrose Park, owner Jeimmy Espina is nervous and overwhelmed by the number of dead and injured in her home country.
    Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Apple head honchos are nervous about cybersecurity – and one reason might be a recent supply chain attack on supplier Tata, the largest Indian company of its kind to ink a partnership with the front-running American smartphone company.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Expanding its use displaces coal in Asia and supports the integration of intermittent renewables by providing flexible backup.
    David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Research has shown, for example, that intermittent fasting may be as effective as low-calorie diets for weight loss.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.
    Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • After cycling through erratic gigs—bus driver, garbage collector, violin maker—his carpentry skills landed him a job on an expedition vessel in Antarctica from 2006 to 2010.
    Richard Morgan, Time, 29 June 2026
  • His social media posts became increasingly erratic.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on spasmodic

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster