intermittently

[ in-ter-mit-nt-lee ]

adverb

1. at occasional or uneven intervals:

   This species of flounder spawns mainly during the summer and early fall, but may spawn intermittently throughout the year.

   In this parched landscape, water flows intermittently, with lakes and streams forming in the wet season and disappearing in the dry season.

Other Words From

• non·in·ter·mit·tent·ly adverb
• un·in·ter·mit·tent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermittently¹

intermittent ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The retired attorney said she stayed in touch only intermittently with Madrigal after the case because “the pain was too much for everyone involved.”

From Los Angeles Times

His rhymes are intermittently clever and the chorus contains several sticky hooks, but that fresh, benevolent trickster’s energy that made “Old Town Road” feel so ahead of the curve still remains an elusive quantity.

From New York Times

He said even officers who go undercover “intermittently” still face danger from having their faces so widely available online.

From Los Angeles Times

While there were makeshift wine bars intermittently set up throughout the space during the media preview, it’s unclear whether the museum will provide provisions for the general public.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s been intermittently smelling very fishy and stinky since then, especially when the wind is low.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• occasionally
• periodically
• sporadically