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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

Examples 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 In Nigeria, Baba has worked through record heat and spasmodic, severe rainfalls. thehustle.co, 12 Apr. 2024 Some had common themes: posture, plugged ears, the power of mind over spasmodic clenching of the diaphragm, which is basically what a hiccup is. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024 Ahmadinejad’s final years in office were spent battling open subversion by the rest of the establishment as well as the spasmodic crises -- hyperinflation, the currency crash, product shortages -- sparked by the sanctions regime. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2013 The music is a spasmodic mix of heavy metal, techno, and trap. Leila Sales, SPIN, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for spasmodic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
Adjective
  • This year's monsoon was sporadic and the seventh-driest on record.
    Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The key is to move beyond sporadic volunteerism toward strategic, long-term partnerships that create measurable impact.
    Mark Morgan, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Lucy, over-the-top housewife Lucy and Ricky, her excitable husband, were always getting into some sort of entertaining hijinks.
    Michael Gioia, Architectural Digest, 26 Sep. 2024
  • In the first verse, the drums march stiffly, while the bass is excitable like the cad Khan targets, popping rudely and bounding showily into the chorus.
    Elias Leight, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Azealia Banks, lightning rod and occasional oracle, is voting for Kamala Harris despite not liking her and previously supporting Trump.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Kelly was once a respected journalist at Fox News, one of the network’s occasional examples of a more fair-and-balanced news person, as opposed to the far-right musings of Sean Hannity and the like.
    Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • There’s really nothing to be nervous about, just the optics of everything.
    Peter A. Berry, Billboard, 18 Nov. 2024
  • Still, Trump kept Republicans nervous by mixing in messages of grievance up until the very end of the race, veering off a script on inflation and immigration that operatives believed was more effective in winning over persuadable voters.
    Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This period of intermittent cooling began during the 1200s and lasted through the 1800s.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Nov. 2024
  • For example, one study in menopausal women found that a supplement containing valerian essence and lemon balm led to fewer sleep issues, such as night hot flashes, insomnia, and intermittent sleep, compared to the placebo group.
    Kylie Gilbert, Glamour, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • These sudden eruptions of random violence seem inspired by GSC’s own experiences having to stop work to flee to bomb shelters and finding previously peaceful streets marred by the war.
    Issy van der Velde, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
  • That part of the tale is set in motion with a sudden squall – chillingly rendered by thunder cracks (kudos to John Shivers’ sound design) and flashes of lightning (ditto to lighting designer Kevin Adams).
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Notorious for his fiery personality and erratic behavior, Steinbrenner replaced his managers 20 times in his first 23 seasons—firing and then rehiring Billy Martin five times—and changed publicity directors 13 times in 26 years, according to Sports Illustrated.
    Justin Birnbaum, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The bottom line: As Election Day nears, Trump has not tapered his off-script controversial comments — rather, his language has grown more erratic and hyperbolic.
    Avery Lotz, Axios, 20 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near spasmodic

Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on spasmodic

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