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.
However, even the mighty must fall every now and then. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026 Hopefully, that doesn’t leave everyone hanging on every Leonard interaction between now and then. Law Murray, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2026 Bobby just nodded his head every now and then. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026 Of course, no spring training games have even been played yet, and the season doesn’t start for six weeks, so a lot of things can happen between now and then. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 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 4 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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