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

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

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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

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 fitful From the beginning, Rolling Stone had a fitful relationship with the counterculture that birthed it, Richardson reports. — James Sullivan, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026 The effort, which was described by a senior administration official who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly, is unfolding alongside fitful talks between Washington and Tehran on a potential agreement to extend a truce in the Iran war. — Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Fortune, 7 June 2026 In 2017, Japan reenergized fitful security discussions, including Australia, India and the United States. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 As Major League Baseball’s Rays make their latest fitful pursuit to build a new Tampa Bay home, an Orlando group is feverishly working to develop a fanbase, win political support, and perhaps gain a chunk of tourism dollars for a ballpark in the event opportunity comes its way. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fitful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fitful

Adjective

The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.

— David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Redevelopment in downtown Miami and the accidental discovery of the mysterious Miami Circle in 1998 have ushered in a quarter-century of sporadic but remarkable archaeological revelations.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

Luke Russert joined his father for major political conventions and occasional shows on the road, Fischer Martin said.

— Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
This frequent, high-profile casting strategy, distinct from occasional star cameos, transforms 'Oh, Mary' into a dynamic, high-demand theatrical experience.

— Katie North, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of occasional

Adjective

Expanding its use displaces coal in Asia and supports the integration of intermittent renewables by providing flexible backup.

— David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Research has shown, for example, that intermittent fasting may be as effective as low-calorie diets for weight loss.

— Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of intermittent

Adjective

Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.

— CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
Small Holes One sign of snakes in your garden could be the sudden appearance of small holes that could be about the size of a small coin, or up to two inches.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026

Definition of sudden

Adjective

After cycling through erratic gigs—bus driver, garbage collector, violin maker—his carpentry skills landed him a job on an expedition vessel in Antarctica from 2006 to 2010.

— Richard Morgan, Time, 29 June 2026
His social media posts became increasingly erratic.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of erratic

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“Fitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fitful. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fitful

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