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Definitions

off-and-on

ADVERB
every once in a while
Synonyms
WEAK
alternately at irregular intervals fluctuating hardly infrequently intermittent irregularly not often on and off scarcely sometimes sporadically vacillating variable very seldom when the mood strikes
off and on
ADVERB
intermittently
Synonyms
WEAK
alternately at intervals at times every once in a while every so often fluctuating from time to time irregularly now and then occasionally on occasion once in a while sometimes sporadically vacillating variably

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.

In the end, switching the steering wheel and turning the car off and on again did it, and Russell just made it out for a final lap.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

I studied off and on with Sheila for a few years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Tensions off and on the field have been high since a deadly military clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

She walked over to her dresser, the top of which held a few small glass sculptures of dolphins with iridescent eyes that she had been collecting off and on for more than a decade.

From Slate • Nov. 15, 2025

Then they all dropped to their knees and he was surprised to hear them begin another song at this point, one he had heard off and on all his life.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing off-and-on

Occasional

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