Synonyms for

Intermittent

Verb / ˌɪntɜ:ˈmɪtʌnt / Another word for intermittent — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady

Synonyms & similar words

sporadic irregular occasional periodic inconsistent fitful on-and-off scattered random discontinuous broken interrupted halting patchy uneven fluctuating variable unpredictable choppy flickering

Synonyms by register

Formal

sporadic occasional fitful discontinuous

Informal

on and off now and then now and again from time to time

Literary

ephemeral fleeting

Antonyms

continuous constant uninterrupted perpetual incessant steady regular

Common collocations

  • intermittent rain
  • intermittent fever
  • intermittent signal
  • intermittent pain
  • intermittent fasting
  • intermittent bursts
  • intermittent supply

Word family

noun intermittence
verb intermit
adverb intermittently

Usage note

Often used to describe things that stop and start repeatedly. Be careful not to confuse with 'intermittent' which means occurring at intervals, and 'intermittent' which means happening without interruption.

Example sentences

  1. The internet connection was intermittent, making it hard to finish my homework.
  2. The rain was intermittent, causing the game to be delayed.
  3. The movie was interrupted by intermittent power outages.
  4. His intermittent cough made it hard for him to speak.
  5. The intermittent beeping of the smoke detector woke me up in the middle of the night.

Quotes

  • Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence. - Lin Yutang
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. - Steve Jobs
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill

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