now and then

adverb

: from time to time : occasionally

now and then we go off to the country

Synonyms of now and then

• sometimes
• occasionally
• from time to time

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

President Penn and her husband Todd (Whitford) get to throw down now and then, as a husband who already feels emasculated has to sit and watch his wife recede into bitter militance. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a pumpkiny beverage or muffin now and then. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 12 Oct. 2026

Between now and then, Coloradans will elect a new governor and most members of the state legislature. — Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026

The Sabres have their home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night, with plenty to clean up between now and then. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for now and then

• businessmen
• councilmen
• henequen
• julienne
• madeleine
• middlemen
• minutemen
• motormen
• patrolmen
• repairmen
• saracen
• signalmen