occasional

adjective

ə-ˈkā-zh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce occasional (audio)
Definition of occasionalnext
1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence the weekend forecast is for occasional showers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in odd
not often occurring or repeated an occasional mechanical problem with our car, but nothing serious

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 occasional Additionally, occasional rule-breaking and defiance are considered a normal part of child and adolescent development. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 In today's rapidly changing environment, marked by AI and technological advances, effective leadership demands more than managing occasional change. — Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Besides paying for occasional operating expenses, Southern Country International remained dormant for years, business and accounting records show. — Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 Unlike virtually every peer, Berkshire Hathaway under Warren Buffett has never paid a dividend, with Berkshire’s dual-class share structure enabling Buffett to substantively ignore occasional sniping from speculators. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for occasional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for occasional
  1. sporadic
  2. odd
  3. intermittent
  4. rare
  5. sudden
  6. isolated
  7. unusual
  8. infrequent
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
  • The idea is to make healthy eating doable, especially for an audience with odd hours and high-stress jobs.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Put those two next to each other and the picture is odd and clarifying at once.
    — Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of odd
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
  • Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thieves stole $25,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards after breaking into an Eagan, Minnesota, claw machine arcade last weekend, employees said.
    — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of rare
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
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
  • This is no longer an isolated contamination event but a broader patterns that is reflecting back human chemical usage in ways that were not anticipated when modern wastewater systems were designed.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of isolated
Adjective
  • Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Indeed, that has led to the highly unusual situation of Australia not being the defending champions in either women’s World Cup, with India holding the 50-over title and New Zealand the T20 crown.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of unusual
Adjective
  • As shown above, this was a clear method of attack against DR Congo, but became an infrequent sight as the game wore on.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • While pets don't require bathing as frequently as their human owners, infrequent baths can intensify that natural smell.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Definition of infrequent

Browse Nearby Words

occasion
occasional
occasionally
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of occasional for Spanish Speakers

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