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Definitions

fits and starts

ADJECTIVE
aimless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
desultory erratic frivolous haphazard indiscriminate pointless random
WEAK
accidental any which way bits and pieces blind capricious careless casual chance directionless drifting fanciful fickle flighty fortuitous goalless heedless hit-or-miss indecisive irresolute objectless purposeless shiftless stray thoughtless unavailing undirected unguided unplanned unpredictable vagrant wandering wanton wayward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
definite methodical particular sensible specific systematic
WEAK
determined directed goal-oriented motivated pointed purposeful resolute
ADJECTIVE
spasmodic
Synonyms
WEAK
bits and pieces changeable choppy convulsive desultory fitful intermittent irregular jerky on-again-off-again periodic shaky spastic sporadic spotty spurtive uncertain
Antonyms
WEAK
resting uninterrupted
ADJECTIVE
sporadic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
desultory fitful infrequent intermittent irregular isolated occasional random rare scattered spotty
WEAK
bits and pieces few hit-or-miss on-again-off-again scarce seldom semioccasional spasmodic uncommon unfrequent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common constant even frequent methodical regular systematic usual
WEAK
continuous dependable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After a courtship that unfurled in fits and starts, they married in 1996.

From Salon

After fits and starts, Apple seems to have a plan on the AI front.

From Barron's

The U.S. has tried in fits and starts over many decades to develop hypersonic-speed weapons with minimal success.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We will be looking for follow-through from the fits and starts of last year.”

From MarketWatch

But the IPO market had its fair share of fits and starts in 2025, with Liberation Day-related volatility and a fall government shutdown temporarily leading to lulls in new issuance activity.

From Barron's

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.