choppy

adjective

ˈchä-pē How to pronounce choppy (audio)
Definition of choppynext
1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence a sharp, choppy wind coming off the lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rough
marked by a series of sharp quick motions the old cable car provides a picturesque but choppy ride to the mountain's peak

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in confusing
not clearly or logically connected the plot was intriguing, but the author's style was so choppy that I finally gave up in frustration

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 choppy Instead, the ensuing spree sputters from one encounter to the next, leaving you with a choppy number that should go bigger and end sooner. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026 Her wispy, face-framing bangs and choppy layers are defined with a dab of pomade at the ends. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Oct. 2026 Aivaliotis is among Kalamos’ seven teenagers who today make a choppy crossing to school on the mainland. — Lefteris Pitarakis, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026 Cincy was penalized 11 times for 108 yards, making for a choppy game at times, especially in the first half. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for choppy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for choppy
  1. sporadic
  2. rough
  3. confusing
  4. occasional
  5. uneven
  6. inconsistent
  7. intermittent
  8. bumpy
Adjective
  • In the absence of regular data, analysts and activists interested in immigration trends have relied on information obtained through lawsuits or limited and sporadic information released by federal agencies to track deportation data.
    — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Only some regional operators have continued sporadic services, generally using smaller feeder vessels.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sporadic
Adjective
  • The Pistons have raced out to a hot start, while the Knicks are still searching for answers after a rough opening week.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Molcajetes constructed of lava rock with pits creating a rough and not smooth nor easily cleanable surface were in the facility.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of rough
Adjective
  • Berg, working with DP Jacques Jouffret, favors close shots that force us to experience battle much like our heroes do, as confusing, terrifying bursts of mayhem.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • However, by creating official federal standards for their color, brightness, and location, NHTSA wants to make sure that any automaker who chooses to add them uses a consistent, legal setup instead of a confusing mix of different colors and signals.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of confusing
Adjective
  • The New Braunfels, Texas, resident kept a frenetic touring schedule, headlining major Texas venues and mid-sized dance halls around the country, with occasional arena or amphitheater stops opening for Koe Wetzel thrown in.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That could make removing space junk a routine service rather than an occasional experiment.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • The brand's signature technology combines a retinoid with lactic acid to smooth fine lines, uneven tone, and rough texture, and its AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads take things a step further.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • These accounts often waive monthly fees without a minimum balance and offer larger transaction or cash deposit allowances, since nonprofits may see uneven cash flow tied to grant cycles and fundraising.
    — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of uneven
Adjective
  • This time around, both teams are coming in after inconsistent regular seasons, but both have been much better over the last five weeks.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The association with the Human Rights Campaign could create more confusion about Talarico’s stance on the medical issue, as his position has come into question through his inconsistent comments.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of inconsistent
Adjective
  • People went through the admission and security checkpoints without issues, and the event’s early evening acts enjoyed mostly dry stages with light, intermittent rain.
    — Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of intermittent
Adjective
  • The residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey launched in late 2024, after a bumpy start and no shortage of drama.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the movie’s most memorable moments have barely anything to do with the plot, like when Matt discovers his eyelids fusing together and attempts to separate them with nail scissors in the bathroom of a bumpy plane.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of bumpy

Browse Nearby Words

chopping (down)
choppy
chops
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Choppy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/choppy. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of grotesque

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All