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Definitions

on and off

ADJECTIVE
intermittent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
intermittent
WEAK
fluctuating inconstantly infrequently irregularly not often now and then off and on on-and-off sometimes sporadically uncertainly variable very seldom when the mood strikes
ADVERB
intermittently
Synonyms
WEAK
at intervals at times discontinuously every now and then every once in a while every so often from time to time hardly infrequently intermittently irregularly now and again now and then occasionally off and on on occasion once in a blue moon once in a while periodically sometimes sporadically
ADVERB
intermittent
Synonyms
WEAK
alternately at irregular intervals fluctuating inconstantly infrequently intermittently irregularly not often now and then off and on sometimes sporadically uncertainly variable very seldom when the mood strikes

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.

There's no-one better to learn from - he's been brilliant with me on and off the pitch.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The townhouse bounced on and off the market in the months after that date, before it was relisted with the lower price of $21.5 million in November 2025.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

"This dramatic layering of young jets inside older, exhausted lobes is the signature of an episodic AGN -- a galaxy whose central engine keeps turning on and off over cosmic timescales."

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Iran has sought sanctions relief and has had on and off talks with the U.S. through mediators on nuclear issues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

My mother had lived with Robbie on and off since she was about sixteen, following every arcane rule the woman laid down, and it’s possible she was secretly happy to see Robbie’s authority challenged.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama