Definitions

on and off

Part of Speech:

All (3) Adjective (1) Adverb (2)

Jump To:

intermittent adj.
intermittently adv.
intermittent adv.

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

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on and off

I’d been doing so, on and off, for years.

From Slate ● Nov. 11, 2026

As will Toey, who will appear on and off during daylight hours.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2026

Drivers in Virginia’s program are allowed to exceed the speed limit twice between turning the car on and off, for 30 seconds each time and by 5 mph.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

Netanyahu, 77, has served as Israel's prime minister on and off for more than 19 years.

From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2026

He typed on and off for a long time, either writing a novel or changing his mind a lot.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

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