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.
There are plenty of games between now and then, starting with Friday’s first-round matchup with Missouri State. Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Every now and then, there were bikes chained to the iron fences along the sidewalk and huge trash bins. Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026 But the spring film season also allows some wiggle room for indie titles and mid-tier releases to strut their stuff — a good thing since every now and then one of them becomes a breakout hit. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 Here and there Robert Glasper is on the piano, every now and then Cory Henry brings his organ, and Jermaine Paul is on the bass with a whole team of session musicians. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 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 23 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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