fitfully
On and off
Fitfully means in irregular bursts rather than steadily or continuously.
Sleep that comes fitfully is broken by periods of waking: She slept fitfully, waking every hour.
Rain falling fitfully comes in sporadic showers.
The word suggests something that should flow smoothly but instead starts and stops unpredictably.
At irregular intervals
- irregularlyNot following a pattern
- periodicallyAt recurring intervals
- episodicallyHappening in distinct segments
- occasionallyAt infrequent intervals
spasmodically · stuttering · halting · broken · fragmented · interrupted · infrequent · patchy
Without foreseeable pattern
- inconsistentlyIn an unreliable manner
- capriciouslyIn unpredictable fashion
- irregularlyNot following a pattern
- unreliablyNot to be counted on
changeably · variably · unsteadily · whimsically · mercurially · impulsively · desultorily · randomly
Light underhand throw
- turningAct of rotating
- sleeplesslyWithout achieving slumber
- wakefullyIn an alert manner
- uneasilyIn a worried manner
agitatedly · restively · troubled · anxiously · fretfully · uncomfortably · tosses · squirming
With turbulent intensity
- tempestuouslyIn a violently agitated manner
- wildlyWithout control or moderation
- convulsivelyWith involuntary muscular contractions
- violentlyWith intense physical force
choppily · gustily · roughly · tumultuously · chaotically · blustery · roiling · heaving
sporadically
At irregular intervals
- irregularlyNot following a pattern
- periodicallyAt recurring intervals
- episodicallyHappening in distinct segments
occasionally · spasmodically · stuttering · halting · broken · fragmented · interrupted · infrequent · patchy · scattered
unpredictably
Without foreseeable pattern
- inconsistentlyIn an unreliable manner
- capriciouslyIn unpredictable fashion
- irregularlyNot following a pattern
unreliably · changeably · variably · unsteadily · whimsically · mercurially · impulsively · desultorily · randomly · inconstantly
tossing
Light underhand throw
- turningAct of rotating
- sleeplesslyWithout achieving slumber
- wakefullyIn an alert manner
uneasily · agitatedly · restively · troubled · anxiously · fretfully · uncomfortably · tosses · squirming · thrashing
stormily
With turbulent intensity
- tempestuouslyIn a violently agitated manner
- wildlyWithout control or moderation
- convulsivelyWith involuntary muscular contractions
violently · choppily · gustily · roughly · tumultuously · chaotically · blustery · roiling · heaving · surging
- infrequencyrarely, seldom, infrequent, infrequently, occasionally
fitfullysteadily
In constant, unwavering fashion
continuously · constantly · ceaselessly · uninterruptedly · consistently
fitfullypeacefully
In tranquil fashion
restfully · soundly · serenely · calmly · tranquilly
- fitful sleepInterrupted, uneven rest