FITFUL Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'fitful' contrast with its synonyms?

The words convulsive and spasmodic are common synonyms of fitful . While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings. // fitful sleep

Q: Where would 'convulsive' be a reasonable alternative to 'fitful'?

Although the words convulsive and fitful have much in common, convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement. // convulsive shocks

Q: How do 'spasmodic' and 'fitful' relate to one another?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity. // spasmodic growth

fitful

adjective

ˈfit-fəl

Definition of fitful next

as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence a night of fitful sleep did not leave me feeling well rested the next morning

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How does the adjective fitful contrast with its synonyms?

The words convulsive and spasmodic are common synonyms of fitful. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

Where would convulsive be a reasonable alternative to fitful?

Although the words convulsive and fitful have much in common, convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

How do spasmodic and fitful relate to one another?

Spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

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 fitful By Jack Flemming , Summer Lin, Hannah Fry and Ian James Jan. 8, 2025 3 PM PT A dry wind was already stirring when the sun rose over Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, fitful gusts whipping palm fronds seaward and making eucalyptus limbs creek and groan. —

Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 Pyongyang began taking fitful steps toward a nuclear weapon during the Cold War, tested its first bomb in 2006, and today regularly issues nuclear threats against its southern neighbor. —

Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 Rage, grievance, and fitful dreams of an American autocracy won. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 In July, Paramount Global reached a historic agreement for an $8 billion sale to David Ellison’s Skydance Media after almost a year of fitful negotiations. —

Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fitful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fitful

Adjective

Broader and border disputes Not only have different interest groups and political actors used maps of the region to put forth competing geopolitical claims, but maps have also played a central role in sporadic efforts to establish peace in the region.

— Christine Leuenberger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
FRBs are sporadic, intense flashes of radio wave energy that can be brighter than entire galaxies.

— John Loeffler, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025