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Definitions

occasional

[uh-key-zhuh-nl] / əˈkeɪ ʒə nl /
ADJECTIVE
irregular, sporadic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
casual infrequent intermittent odd particular random rare unusual
WEAK
desultory especial exceptional exclusive few incidental not habitual off and on scarce seldom special specific uncommon unfrequent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
common frequent ordinary regular usual
WEAK
constant steady

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.

The mourners waved in response to the occasional honk from passing motorists.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The financial planners in New York regularly give to their church and the occasional school fundraiser.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Yet in a post on X, Sam Altman wrote: “I don’t expect them to go any easier on us, am sure I’ll do my part to help enable that with occasional stupid decisions.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

"We've shared breaking news, long shifts, plenty of laughter, bad hair days, and the occasional moment of pure chaos. And do you know what? I wouldn't change a second of it."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

He finds nothing to take with him, as he is unwilling to steal a sign, and the only other things out in plain sight are scraps of paper and the occasional smushed piece of popcorn.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern