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.
How about a thank you every now and then? Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026 Of course, plenty can happen between now and then, but those have been the most glaring weaknesses for a team that is second to the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 28 May 2026 But every now and then a recipe surprises us. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 May 2026 Still, Clarke’s love of literature and affinity for great prose can assert themselves now and then. Literary Hub, 19 May 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 3 Jun. 2026.

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