occasional
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for occasional, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Happening from time to time, but not regularly or often.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use occasional
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "occasion" plus the adjective suffix "-al".
Full origin of occasional →Frequently asked questions
What does “occasional” mean?
The word “occasional” means happening from time to time, but not regularly or often. In plain terms, happening now and then, not on a regular basis.
How do you pronounce “occasional”?
“Occasional” is pronounced uh-KAYZH-nuhl (/əˈkeɪʒ(ə)nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “occasional” in a sentence?
Here is “occasional” used in a sentence: “We enjoy the occasional trip to the coast.”
What part of speech is “occasional”?
“Occasional” is an adjective.
Is “occasional” a common word?
“Occasional” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “occasional” have?
“Occasional” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening from time to time, but not regularly or often.
What is the difference between 'occasional' and 'rare'?
Occasional means something happens from time to time but not regularly. Rare suggests something happens very seldom, so occasional events are more frequent than rare ones, though still not regular.
What is the difference between 'occasional' and 'frequent'?
Occasional describes something that happens now and then, without a regular pattern. Frequent describes something that happens often, so the two words sit at opposite ends of how often something occurs.
What is an 'occasional table'?
An occasional table is a small, light table used only now and then for a particular purpose, such as holding a drink or a lamp. The name draws on the sense of 'occasional' meaning made for or used on a particular occasion.
How often does 'occasional' actually mean?
Occasional has no fixed frequency, but it signals that something happens from time to time rather than regularly or often. It sits between 'rare' and 'frequent,' suggesting irregular, spread-out instances.