periodic
8 synonyms and 5 antonyms for periodic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Happening again and again at regular intervals.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Antonyms
How to use periodic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French périodique, ultimately from Greek periodos ("cycle").
Full origin of periodic →Frequently asked questions
What does “periodic” mean?
The word “periodic” means happening again and again at regular intervals. In plain terms, recurring regularly, at set intervals rather than constantly or just once.
How do you pronounce “periodic”?
“Periodic” is pronounced pih-ree-O-dihk (/ˌpɪɹiˈɑdɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “periodic” in a sentence?
Here is “periodic” used in a sentence: “The machine needs periodic maintenance to keep running smoothly.”
What is another word for “periodic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “periodic” include cyclic, cyclical, periodical and regular.
What is the opposite of “periodic”?
The opposite of “periodic” — its antonyms — are acyclical, irregular, noncyclic, noncyclical and unperiodic.
What part of speech is “periodic”?
“Periodic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “periodic” come from?
The word “periodic” comes from French. From French périodique, ultimately from Greek periodos ("cycle").
Is “periodic” a common word?
“Periodic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between periodic and sporadic?
Periodic describes something happening again and again at regular, predictable intervals, while sporadic describes events occurring irregularly and unpredictably.
What is the difference between periodic and periodical?
Both derive from the same root and are often interchangeable as adjectives, but "periodical" is also commonly used as a noun referring to a magazine or journal published at regular intervals.
What does "periodic" mean in "the periodic table"?
In the periodic table of elements, "periodic" refers to the recurring pattern of chemical properties that appears at regular intervals as atomic number increases.