as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
a night of fitful sleep did not leave me feeling well rested the next morning
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fitful
If there is no serious reckoning that attempts to rebuild presidential accountability for foreign policy, then Americans should expect not only more military parades but also more military misadventures, unpredictable trade relations, and fitful foreign-policy making in a very uncertain future.
—
Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
But, a few minutes into the journey, the train came to a fitful stop.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
So here’s the short take: Washington is fine, a bit unsure of his characterization occasionally and fitful in his mood shifts.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
Now, 36 years later, this fitful odyssey of justice approaches its latest and most significant destination.
—Henry Leutwyler Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fitful
Elizabeth N. Saunders, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
But, a few minutes into the journey, the train came to a fitful stop.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
So here’s the short take: Washington is fine, a bit unsure of his characterization occasionally and fitful in his mood shifts.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025
Now, 36 years later, this fitful odyssey of justice approaches its latest and most significant destination.
—Henry Leutwyler Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fitful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fitful
Adjective
-
However, reaching these outcomes takes more than just sporadic posts.—
Jonathan Schwartz,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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The monsoon season is now here and has brought deadly flash flooding along old burn scars in Ruidoso, New Mexico, while distributing sporadic rain in the state’s Gila National Forest.—
Abe Streep,
ProPublica,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Ozzy also did his own occasional tours, including a stop at the Bradley Center on Dec. 14 of that year.—
Chris Foran,
jsonline.com,
23 July 2025
-
Here, the car continues to be well-mannered, though the occasional dab for power triggers an overeager automatic into dropping a gear or two, sending the V12 into a fury.—
Alex Kalogiannis,
ArsTechnica,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
There’s a reason for that: Fire hose again, coupled with intermittent kinks and leaks.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
12 July 2025
-
Dietary changes such as intermittent fasting, caloric restriction, and ketogenic diet with regular exercise can prevent MASH or delay its progression.—
Suchandrima Bhowmik,
Health,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Then Kings of Leon and Black Keys come out of Nashville and then all of a sudden the diversity of the music that was coming out of there started to really grow over a short period of time.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
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While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Even if that happens, however, Sternberg would still receive the 2025 World Series trophy if the Rays rebound from an erratic first half to win their first world championship.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
-
There is yet another small chance for thunderstorms this afternoon, ten percent likelihood or less, with the main threats of any storms that are able to develop being lightning and gusty and erratic outflow winds.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fitful. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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