SPASMODIC Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

spasmodic

adjective

spaz-ˈmä-dik

Definition of spasmodic

as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence spasmodic problems that we will have to deal with as they crop up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in excitable

easily excited by nature a talk show host who was famed for his edgy, spasmodic manner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example 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 To what was such a spasmodic discord owed? — Julio Cortázar, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025 Kennedy, 71, has spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological condition in which the muscles that open and close his vocal cords spasm involuntarily, creating a strained or strangled quality to his speech. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 Hearing the diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia from the specialist was devastating. — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but there are treatments available. — Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spasmodic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spasmodic

Adjective

Only some regional operators have continued sporadic services, generally using smaller feeder vessels.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
That said, devolving tropical storms can pack a punch with sporadic gusts and showers as the energy that was formerly bundled in the storm’s center releases outward.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

With the Patriots and Bills accounting for four games on the schedule, the Jets can’t keep treating divisional victories as occasional breakthroughs.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
For most of human history, our Sun’s occasional tantrums have been of little concern to those of us living on Earth’s surface.

— Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

Any agency whose main product is activity rather than thinking should be very nervous right now; frankly, some of them should have been nervous years ago.

— Angelica Kopec, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Consumers in the country, nervous about the shaky economy, are loading up on gold jewelry, bars and coins.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of nervous

Adjective

Ohtani has been playing with a bad knee and biceps for three months, and the Dodgers already have tried intermittent rest.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The amount of daylight, cool temperatures, and intermittent rain in autumn mimic what happens in spring when the peepers actively court and mate.

— Sheryl DeVore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of intermittent

Adjective

All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The Sagittarius Moon opposes Uranus, making a conversation, bit of news, or sudden change of perspective impossible to ignore.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sudden

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spasm

spasmodic

spasms

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“Spasmodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spasmodic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spasmodic

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