on and off 1 of 2

adverb

Definition of on and offnext
as in off and on
not constantly or steadily over a period of time It's been raining on and off all afternoon.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

on-and-off

2 of 2

adjective

as in recurrent
occurring or appearing at intervals an on-and-off friendship over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for on and off
  1. off and on
  2. recurrent
  3. sporadically
  4. recurring
  5. periodic
  6. periodically
  7. intermittent
  8. occasionally
Adverb
  • Bob Iger is 73 and has been running Disney off and on for nearly 20 years.
    Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Morgan is a former state Republican chair, House minority leader – and unsuccessful 2018 primary candidate for governor – who has served in the legislature off and on for 12 years.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
Definition of off and on
Adjective
  • However, chronic or recurrent heartburn shouldn't be ignored.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024
  • There’s a recurrent overstating of baseball’s significance: the satirist Ring Lardner called it the World Serious.
    Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Definition of recurrent
Adverb
  • Even the accounts that have been able to continue posting sporadically still aren’t available for fans within the country who want to scroll through their old posts.
    Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
  • Other supplements may be used more sporadically, like a protein supplement when your appetite is low.
    Shushy Rita Setrakian MS, RD, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Definition of sporadically
Adjective
  • Anxiety about pocketbook issues, however, formed a recurring and persistent theme.
    David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024
  • The company has bolstered its software and securities business to diversify and bring in more recurring subscription revenue.
    Ari Levy, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2024
Definition of recurring
Adjective
  • The company remains subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
  • America has periodic eruptions of political unrest, Ellis argued, but none has come close to a civil war.
    Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Definition of periodic
Adverb
  • While measurable indicators are crucial, leaders also need to step back periodically to reflect on whether their current direction aligns with their core value proposition.
    Dan Gamble, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • These conditions can flare up periodically due to environmental, hormonal or lifestyle factors and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
    Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 20 Nov. 2024
Definition of periodically
Adjective
  • This presented significant challenges to utilities because of the intermittent nature of renewable energy.
    Greg Robinson, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Plus: Expect intermittent closures of Pennsylvania Avenue between the 2200-2400 blocks on Monday.
    Mike D'Onofrio, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
Definition of intermittent
Adverb
  • This misinformation has occasionally hindered relief efforts.
    Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
  • The occasionally deep thinkers on the Grading The Week crew don’t mind coaches who refuse to stick to sports.
    Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Definition of occasionally
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near on and off

on-and-off

on and off

on an even keel

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“On and off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on%20and%20off. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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