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

If Temu does not comply, it faces periodic penalty payments.

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

This system came under strain in the 1960s “when the volume of U.S. dollars in circulation exceeded domestic gold reserves redeemable at fixed value, leading to periodic runs on the dollar in foreign exchange.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Throughout the nineteenth century, periodic waves of the disease sent more mortals than usual off to the world of spirits.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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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