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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.

The townhouse bounced on and off the market in the months after that date, before it was relisted with the lower price of $21.5 million in November 2025.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

"This dramatic layering of young jets inside older, exhausted lobes is the signature of an episodic AGN -- a galaxy whose central engine keeps turning on and off over cosmic timescales."

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Anfield was not a happy place before kick-off as Liverpool fans expressed their anger at events on and off the pitch in what has, so far, been a season of suffering.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

He said the identity he is looking to build on and off the court starts with hard work.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Her Glow flickers as if someone is flipping a light switch on and off.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas