Definitions

off-and-on

ADVERB

every once in a while

Synonyms

WEAK

alternately at irregular intervals fluctuating hardly infrequently intermittent irregularly not often on and off scarcely sometimes sporadically vacillating variable very seldom when the mood strikes

off and on

ADVERB

intermittently

Synonyms

WEAK

alternately at intervals at times every once in a while every so often fluctuating from time to time irregularly now and then occasionally on occasion once in a while sometimes sporadically vacillating variably

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.

She told the court that she met the defendant at the end of 2015 and that they'd been friends and then an off-and-on couple for seven years.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

The university and the administration have been in off-and-on talks for months to resolve their dispute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 30, 2025

But what if checking in with my friend turns into two hours of off-and-on Reddit research into Real Housewives conspiracy theories?

From Slate • Nov. 16, 2024

Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, following a two-year marriage that was the accumulation of a long off-and-on romance.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2024

For eighteen years, his off-and-on actions have made an impact in my life.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Vocabulary lists containing off-and-on

Occasional

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off-and-on

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing off-and-on

Occasional