Synonyms of spasmodic

spasmodic

adjective

spaz-ˈmä-dik 

1

as in sporadic

lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence

spasmodic problems that we will have to deal with as they crop up

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sporadic
• occasional
• intermittent
• sudden
• erratic
• spastic
• irregular
• violent
• discontinuous
• fitful
• unsteady
• unpredictable
• casual
• episodic
• aperiodic
• spotty
• volatile
• choppy
• convulsive
• catchy
• random
• scattered
• fragmentary
• haphazard
• interrupted
• changeful
• aimless
• desultory
• changing
• varying
• broken
• uncertain
• disconnected
• unstable
• arbitrary
• stray
• mercurial
• unsettled
• capricious
• odd
• fluctuating
• inconstant
• variable
• slapdash
• temperamental
• hit-and-miss
• mutable
• hit-or-miss
• fluid
• wavering
• fickle
• changeable
• flickery

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuous
• constant
• periodic
• regular
• steady
• habitual
• repeated
• uniform
• stable
• stationary
• systematic
• even
• unchanging
• equable
• methodical
• orderly
• changeless
• unremitting
• unrelenting
• unvarying
• unwavering

2

as in excitable

easily excited by nature

a talk show host who was famed for his edgy, spasmodic manner

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excitable
• nervous
• unstable
• hyperkinetic
• volatile
• hyper
• anxious
• emotional
• hyperexcitable
• hyperactive
• jumpy
• fluttery
• intense
• jittery
• high-strung
• skittery
• irritable
• flighty
• spooky
• volcanic
• skittish
• sensitive
• mercurial
• fiddle-footed
• soulful
• temperamental
• tense
• hot-blooded
• uptight
• dramatic
• hypersensitive
• histrionic
• nervy
• melodramatic
• irascible
• edgy
• emotionalistic
• flibbertigibbety
• testy
• perturbable
• touchy
• prickly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imperturbable
• nerveless
• unshakable
• unflappable
• collected
• calm
• unexcitable
• tranquil
• serene
• cool
• easy
• easygoing
• relaxed
• laid-back

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spasmodic contrast with its synonyms?

The words convulsive and fitful are common synonyms of spasmodic. While all three words mean "lacking steadiness or regularity in movement," spasmodic adds to fitful the implication of rapid or violent activity alternating with inactivity.

spasmodic growth

When is convulsive a more appropriate choice than spasmodic?

The synonyms convulsive and spasmodic are sometimes interchangeable, but convulsive suggests the breaking of regularity or quiet by uncontrolled movement.

convulsive shocks

When is it sensible to use fitful instead of spasmodic?

While in some cases nearly identical to spasmodic, fitful implies intermittence, a succession of starts and stops or risings and fallings.

fitful sleep

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spasmodic

Kennedy, 71, has spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological condition in which the muscles that open and close his vocal cords spasm involuntarily, creating a strained or strangled quality to his speech. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

Hearing the diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia from the specialist was devastating. —David Chiu, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

Ahead of his confirmation hearing, articles about the sound of his voice and his spasmodic dysphonia have been in the news. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but there are treatments available. —Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025