spasmodic

adjective

spas·​mod·​ic spaz-ˈmä-dik How to pronounce spasmodic (audio)
1
a
: relating to or affected or characterized by spasm
b
: resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence
a spasmodic jerk
2
: acting or proceeding fitfully : intermittent
spasmodic activity
3
: subject to outbursts of emotional excitement : excitable
spasmodically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for spasmodic

fitful, spasmodic, convulsive mean lacking steadiness or regularity in movement.

fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

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

spasmodic growth

convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

Examples of spasmodic in a Sentence

He made only spasmodic attempts to lose weight. spasmodic problems that we will have to deal with as they crop up
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Most people have adductor spasmodic dysphonia, which causes the voice to sound strained, tight and hoarse. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025 Here’s what to know about how common spasmodic dysphonia is, what causes it, and how it’s treated. Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025 That's the result of a rare neurological condition known as spasmodic dysphonia, which has afflicted Kennedy for decades. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025 Wearing a bowler hat, his physical movements and magnetic smile often mirrored the spasmodic motion of the songs. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spasmodic 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin spasmodicus, from Greek spasmōdēs, from spasmos

First Known Use

circa 1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of spasmodic was circa 1681

Dictionary Entries Near spasmodic

Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spasmodic. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

spasmodic

adjective
spas·​mod·​ic spaz-ˈmäd-ik How to pronounce spasmodic (audio)
1
a
: relating to or affected or characterized by spasm
spasmodic movements
b
: resembling a spasm especially in sudden violence
2
: acting or going now and then : intermittent
spasmodic activity
3
: subject to outburst of emotional excitement : excitable
spasmodically adverb

Medical Definition

spasmodic

adjective
spas·​mod·​ic spaz-ˈmäd-ik How to pronounce spasmodic (audio)
: of, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from spasm
a spasmodic twitching
a spasmodic cough
spasmodically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on spasmodic

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