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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 The window was usually propped open, and, when the music was off, the buzz of distant traffic and a fitful breeze entered. —

Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 Experimentation is generally a slow and fitful process. —

Justin Davidson, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2024 Walkers never have to lug their own suitcases or spend a fitful night on the cold, hard ground. —

Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024 Nothing illustrates the point better than the Trump administration’s fitful, scattered, and incremental response to the COVID-19 crisis. —

James B. Steinberg, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020 See all Example Sentences for fitful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fitful

Adjective

Consumers in Mexico are using their cell phones to purchase everyday items such as groceries but also to make sporadic purchases on clothing, books, and other items.

— Nathaniel Parish Flannery, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The brand had toyed with apparel since the ‘80s with small and sporadic capsule collections but the new apparel designs, hinging on Americana and the preppy look, seem to be accruing fans, too.

— Martino Carrera, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025