Synonyms of periodicnext
1
a
: occurring or recurring at regular intervals
b
: occurring repeatedly from time to time
2
a
: consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages, processes, or digits : cyclic
periodic decimals
a periodic vibration
b
: being a function any value of which recurs at regular intervals
3
: expressed in or characterized by periodic sentences

Examples of periodic in a Sentence

He takes the car in for periodic oil changes. sent out periodic reminders about the office dress code
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.
When consumption is measured in tokens and inference calls, periodic reviews are no longer enough. — Jesse Stockall, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Before the recent barn owl sightings, Williams and her husband heard periodic screeching noises outside going back to early September. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Screeching was heard by residents Before the recent barn owl sightings, Williams and her husband heard periodic screeching noises outside going back to early September. — Joseph B. Frederick, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026 The ruling did not, however, address the question of the administration's periodic refusal since the ban to permit CNN's journalists into smaller spaces where the full press corps cannot fit simultaneously, such as Air Force One or the Oval Office. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for periodic

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodic was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Periodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodic. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

periodic

adjective
1
: occurring at regular intervals
2
: consisting of or containing a series of repeated stages
periodic vibrations

Medical Definition

periodic

adjective
: occurring or recurring at regular intervals
periodic epidemics
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