now and then

adverb

Synonyms of now and thennext
: from time to time : occasionally
now and then we go off to the country

Examples of now and then in a Sentence

we do go to the library now and then, but not as often as we should
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.
The November 2027 vote is a long way off, and national political winds will undoubtedly shift between now and then. Jeffrey M. Wice, New York Daily News, 16 June 2026 After all, some of your friends might not be feverish fútbol fans like yourself — their eyes may drift from the pitch battle every now and then. Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026 Over the years, Blake has maintained his privacy, though O'Donnell has shared glimpses of his life every now and then. Anna Myers, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 The catch is what happens between now and then. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for now and then

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of now and then was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Now and then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/now%20and%20then. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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