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Synonyms

stop-and-go

American  
[stop-uhn-goh] / ˈstɒp ənˈgoʊ /

adjective

  1. characterized by periodically enforced stops, as caused by heavy traffic or traffic signals.

    stop-and-go traffic.


Etymology

Origin of stop-and-go

First recorded in 1920–25

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.

See Examples For:

And having to do a stop-and-go, sort of stop and wait for five, 10 seconds, whatever people got, it destroys you on a track so short as well, your chances.

From BBC Jun. 9, 2026

Legal challenges to Trump’s plans have made construction of Trump’s $400 million ballroom a stop-and-go affair.

From Salon Apr. 26, 2026

When officials confronted a similar dilemma, during the so-called stagflation of the 1970s, the central bank’s stop-and-go response allowed high inflation to become entrenched.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 10, 2025

The company wants to build the infrastructure needed to integrate air travel into congested urban centers as an alternative to stop-and-go car trips.

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 3, 2025

It’s a maddening stop-and-go of straining, rearing horses, groaning oxen and mules, trying to break from the jammed pack.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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