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.
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 An awful lot has happened between now and then, on and off the pitch. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026 Not cooling off too much between now and then will be imperative. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026 But every now and then, the wild reaches back. Itay Hod, CBS News, 31 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 12 Apr. 2026.

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