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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.

Hence, whenever the agent pitched the idea to revive the book — “it would come up every once in a while, because she definitely needed income” — Butler dismissed her.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 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 we get in there and let it rip,” said James, “but I am not very good.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

“I like to escape once in a while, myself,” Isobel says.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern