Synonyms for

Occasional

Verb / ʌˈkeɪʒʌnʌl / Another word for occasional — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Occurring or appearing at irregular or infrequent intervals; occasional sightings of bears in the area.

Synonyms & similar words

episodic periodic casual intermittent sporadic periodic infrequent scattered random isolated rare occasional casual irregular hit-or-miss scanty scarce uncommon

Synonyms by register

Formal

intermittent sporadic infrequent occasional

Informal

once in a while now and then every so often from time to time

Literary

fitful episodic

Antonyms

frequent regular constant habitual incessant continuous perpetual

Common collocations

  • occasional visitor
  • occasional basis
  • occasional headache
  • occasional use
  • occasional rain
  • occasional problems
  • occasional thought

Word family

noun occasion
adverb occasionally

Usage note

While 'occasional' implies something that happens infrequently, it's important not to confuse it with 'special' or 'important'. It simply denotes something that occurs at irregular intervals.

Example sentences

  1. My family takes an occasional trip to the beach.
  2. I enjoy an occasional piece of candy.
  3. The restaurant only serves steak on occasional weekends.
  4. My father enjoys watching his occasional football game on TV.
  5. I only wear my fancy dress on occasional special occasions.

Quotes

  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela
  • 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
  • If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. -Albert Einstein

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words