periodic

[peer-ee-od-ik] / ˌpɪər iˈɒd ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

at fixed intervals

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annual intermittent monthly occasional recurrent recurring regular repeated routine seasonal sporadic weekly yearly

STRONG

periodical

WEAK

alternate at various times centennial cyclic cyclical daily epochal every once in a while every so often fluctuating hourly infrequent isochronal isochronous on certain occasions on-again-off-again orbital perennial rhythmic serial spasmodic

Antonyms

STRONGEST

constant infrequent unusual

WEAK

continual irregular lasting permanent sporadic variable

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.

It is the first example in which scientists have confirmed exactly what is causing the periodic behavior.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

Granted, rebalancing is one of those periodic chores that’s easy to neglect, like dusting your refrigerator coils.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Edmond Halley later became famous for identifying the periodic nature of the bright comet now officially called 1P/Halley.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

Its aging facilities, originally built between the 1930s and ’50s, require replacement rather than the periodic updates they’ve received.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

When it opened, Molly recognized Emma, Anat’s roommate, the girl with the periodic table and Doctor Who posters.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary lists containing periodic

Freak the Mighty

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Word Generation Science - Introductory Chemistry Concepts

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 3

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