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Definitions

on and off

ADJECTIVE
intermittent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
intermittent
WEAK
fluctuating inconstantly infrequently irregularly not often now and then off and on on-and-off sometimes sporadically uncertainly variable very seldom when the mood strikes
ADVERB
intermittently
Synonyms
WEAK
at intervals at times discontinuously every now and then every once in a while every so often from time to time hardly infrequently intermittently irregularly now and again now and then occasionally off and on on occasion once in a blue moon once in a while periodically sometimes sporadically
ADVERB
intermittent
Synonyms
WEAK
alternately at irregular intervals fluctuating inconstantly infrequently intermittently irregularly not often now and then off and on sometimes sporadically uncertainly variable very seldom when the mood strikes

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.

High-end and low-end customers alike adored his frisky, unpredictable spirit — both on and off the runway.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

His mother Etienne Almeida, meanwhile, works in education and has always demanded responsibility on and off the pitch.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

“I feel that they are examples of how to do things right on and off the field,” Vargas said of the three players.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Operations at the port have been on and off for days, raising concern about the vulnerability of alternative oil routes that bypass the strait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The electricity goes on and off all the time.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez

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