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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 Colicky pain occurs as sudden spasmodic abdominal pain that occurs in cycles and then resolves. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Kennedy has also previously suggested that his spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder that can impact voice and speech, is a side effect of the flu vaccine. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 16 July 2024 Tragically, Linda Thompson can’t sing anymore due to a medical condition called spasmodic dysphonia. Tribune News Service, New York Daily News, 1 July 2024 In Nigeria, Baba has worked through record heat and spasmodic, severe rainfalls. thehustle.co, 12 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • It’s been pretty sporadic and erratic with a bunch of them.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In its initial phase, between 1990 and 2005, pirate attacks were sporadic and contained mostly in the Gulf of Aden.
    Soham Mitra, Lou Robinson and Patrick Gallagher, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • So does that of an excitable young engineer (Jonas Strand Gravli) who pesters him with seemingly fanciful technological dreams.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025
  • There’s lots of snarky, adult humor and many high-stakes moments that may be too excitable for younger audiences.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • When do most of us wear gowns outside of the occasional black tie wedding?
    Sarah Boyd, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • According to Vasudevan, short-haired breeds typically need brushing once a week and occasional baths, while medium to long-haired breeds, like the golden retriever in the clip, may need brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Some Trump advisers were nervous the deal might go south before the ceremonial signing, but felt confident by the time Mr. Trump greeted Zelenskyy.
    Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Become The Best Operator Of New AI Tools Don’t be nervous about AI.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The intermittent reward of finding something new and interesting does not allow the brain to relax and get ready to sleep.
    Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
  • After the know-nothing county board opts to raze the baseball diamond to make way for a school, the teams meet for one final game at their beloved Soldier’s Field, with girlfriends, kids, and local hooligans as intermittent spectators.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Escaping a sudden, massive flood, a smart, mischievous black cat clambers aboard a boat shared by a dog, a capybara, and a lemur, as well as a long-legged secretary bird.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025
  • With a career in music that spanned the late ’70s through her sudden passing, Stone topped both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Adult R&B Airplay charts and was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
    Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Deepfake films, for example, frequently feature odd blinking patterns, erratic lighting and inconsistent facial expressions.
    Rohan Pinto, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • His career arc was atypically jagged and erratic for a pop singer, starting at an unnaturally young age and continuing for decades, but rarely for more than a hit song at a time, and often with many fallow years coming in between them.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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