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Definitions

once in a while

ADVERB
occasionally
Synonyms
WEAK
at intervals at times every now and then every so often from time to time hardly infrequently irregularly now and again on occasion once in a blue moon periodically rarely seldom sometimes sporadically

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.

Every once in a while a match comes along that reminds us all why football is referred to as the beautiful game.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

But every once in a while, we get a little wink, an ounce of good luck, an unearned gift, a happy accident, and this recipe falls in that category.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Every once in a while, we review our past stock picks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“Every once in a while you might have one,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

I had learned through my years of trying to find balance in my life that it was okay to flip those priorities and care only for ourselves once in a while.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama