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

Every now and then, Kelly will pause to scold one of her two cats (the black and white one, Barry, likes to climb up her leg or into the oven). —Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2026

Everyone’s prone to a design fumble now and then. —Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026

Look for ways to connect with your child that feels good for both of you, whether that means catching up over coffee, planning a trip together, or just sending a funny meme now and then. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 10 Apr. 2026

Punch of positivity Every now and then in recent years, Finch and the coaching staff have taken a break from the consistent harping and instead played cut-up clips of Minnesota playing some of its best basketball during film sessions. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 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