occasionally

adverb

oc·​ca·​sion·​al·​ly ə-ˈkā-zh(ə-)nə-lē How to pronounce occasionally (audio)
Synonyms of occasionally
: on occasion : now and then
dines out occasionally
We occasionally see deer in the field.

Synonyms of occasionally

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Examples of occasionally in a Sentence

Occasionally, things don't go as planned. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, Elon and all the major players that are kind of governing and holding the reins of this new technology, or occasionally losing the reins of this new technology. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Later that decade, hippie love-ins were held regularly at the base of the carousel, occasionally drawing the likes of the Hells Angels or law enforcement. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 What holds us in thrall is the ever-shifting logic—largely cruel, occasionally kind—through which destiny plays itself out. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Taurids are famous for occasionally producing exceptionally bright, slow-moving meteors that can streak dramatically across the night sky from September to December. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for occasionally

Word History

Etymology

Middle English occasionaly "on a particular occasion, sometimes," from occasyonal occasional + -ly -ly entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of occasionally was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing occasionally

Browse Nearby Words

occasionality
occasionally
occasioner
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Cite this Entry

“Occasionally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occasionally. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

occasionally

adverb
oc·​ca·​sion·​al·​ly -ē How to pronounce occasionally (audio)
: from time to time
occasionally goes to the movies
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