by fits and starts

ADJECTIVE

piecemeal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

gradual

WEAK

at intervals fragmentary intermittent interrupted little-by-little partial patchy spotty step-by-step

ADVERB

irregularly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

erratically fitfully haphazardly infrequently sporadically unevenly

WEAK

any which way anyhow at intervals by turns disconnectedly eccentrically helter-skelter in snatches jerkily now and again occasionally off and on out of sequence periodically slapdash spasmodically uncertainly uncommonly unmethodically unpunctually willy-nilly

Antonyms

WEAK

evenly regularly

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.

Naomi Osaka’s comeback season has been pocked by fits and starts as she reacquaints herself with her athleticism and competitive fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

Past efforts to tighten security cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo have progressed by fits and starts.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2023

For all the divisions we have faced in our history and all the serious trauma of recent years, the U.S. has endured to build, by fits and starts, a more perfect union.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2023

The Gospel advances by fits and starts, but over time it does bring about change for the good.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2019

So by fits and starts, she followed Yuko into Islam.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

by fits and starts

Example Sentences

Related Words