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.
Put on a little lipstick now and then and look a little charming. Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026 Duchene, who has posted about her music multiple times on social media, said she’s responded every now and then. Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026 The law touches us but here and there, and now and then. Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 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 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 31 Mar. 2026.

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