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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, we review our past stock picks.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“Every once in a while we get in there and let it rip,” said James, “but I am not very good.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

"A hug never goes amiss either. A decent cwtch once in a while helps a treat."

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

“Something that you can do once in a while is better than getting yourself stuck into a recurring cycle of just adding more fees to your budget every month,” Saunders said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

Every once in a while he would cough or spit between his shoes.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña