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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spasmodic contrast with its synonyms?

The words convulsive and fitful are common synonyms of spasmodic. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

When is convulsive a more appropriate choice than spasmodic?

The synonyms convulsive and spasmodic are sometimes interchangeable, but convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

When is it sensible to use fitful instead of spasmodic?

While in some cases nearly identical to spasmodic, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

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 spasmodic In Nigeria, Baba has worked through record heat and spasmodic, severe rainfalls. thehustle.co, 12 Apr. 2024 Some had common themes: posture, plugged ears, the power of mind over spasmodic clenching of the diaphragm, which is basically what a hiccup is. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 25 May 2024 Ahmadinejad’s final years in office were spent battling open subversion by the rest of the establishment as well as the spasmodic crises -- hyperinflation, the currency crash, product shortages -- sparked by the sanctions regime. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2013 The music is a spasmodic mix of heavy metal, techno, and trap. Leila Sales, SPIN, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for spasmodic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic
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
Adjective
  • Jeon Seok-ho is consistently amusing as Woo-seok, an excitable small-time criminal who joins Jun-ho in the search for the island.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024
  • The property is listed with excitable realtor Greg (Matt Rogers), who dreams of a quick sale and a hefty commission.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The tunes go for three-minute punch, with occasional back-up vocals from Kapranos’ wife, French star Clara Luciani.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Some winters bring consistent snow and frosty days, perfect for outdoor activities, while others see milder conditions with occasional rain or bare ground.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But that didn’t stop Greenbaum from being a little nervous about screening the film for Harper and Will.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Lexi starts it quite clearly a little nervous, but then gets more comfortable and by the end is perfectly embodying the silly, bratty nature of the song.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Such moments of creative exhilaration were intermittent adornments of a diffuse slog.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Situated only a hefty clearance from the Manchester Ship Canal, the ground, complete with a two-storey clubhouse, 250-seat stand and even a commentators’ box, has since had intermittent use from various Sunday League sides and most recently an under-18s team managed by YouTuber ‘Angry Ginge’.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • There are even grief counselors and social workers who specialize in sudden loss.
    Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Fans were devastated by news of Morrison’s sudden and unexpected death at age 27.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And if his first term is any indication, Trump’s erratic management is likely to produce a ballooning national debt and policy incoherence, not a lean and coordinated government.
    Charles A. Kupchan, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Darnold was as erratic as he’s been all season, and the defense was again dominated by the Lions’ balanced attack.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near spasmodic

Cite this Entry

“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spasmodic

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