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Synonyms

recurring

American  
[ri-kur-ing, -kuhr-] / rɪˈkɜr ɪŋ, -ˈkʌr- /

adjective

  1. occurring or appearing again.


Other Word Forms

  • recurringly adverb
  • unrecurring adjective

Etymology

Origin of recurring

recur + -ing 1

Explanation

Something recurring happens over and over. When you have a recurring cough, it could be something serious, like bronchitis. This is a word for things that keep popping up or returning, like flowers are a recurring subject of the artist Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings. Recurring lateness is a habit your teacher or boss won’t tolerate. Lots of people have recurring health problems, such as back pain or sore knees. A guest character on a TV show who shows up once in awhile is a recurring character: they just keep coming back.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing recurring

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.

Chronic exposure to noise is also a recurring complaint from critics.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

First-quarter recurring earnings before interest and taxes fell 23% on year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Accidental explosions are a grim routine in India's fireworks industry, recurring with troubling regularity - most visibly around Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, which produces much of the country's supply.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

He built Services into a $100 billion annually recurring business.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

‘A recurring nightmare. Every night since Salim . .. went.’

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd