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.

At each stop, passengers like Washington or others laden with sacks of coconuts or pineapples for the market get on and off.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

“The stories just keep coming, on and off the pitch, over and over and over again,” McElhenney said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Larcom has been taking it on and off for more than seven months.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

And yet, these were golden times – both on and off the field.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Bugs as big as hummingbirds zipped on and off the water while little ones swarmed in small dark clouds.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

on and off

Example Sentences

Related Words