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 is a tremendous chance between now and then to put some big points on the board, and pass the Celtics. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026 Bring kids into a video chat with Grandma (or another favorite relative) every now and then. Margery D. Rosen, Parents, 5 Mar. 2026 One of the big differences between now and then, however, is that before the 1970s oil crisis, very few countries had security stocks of oil, a practice many nations changed in its aftermath. Simmone Shah, Time, 3 Mar. 2026 The group sings and harmonizes with the instruments, improvising every now and then. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 3 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 11 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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