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

While the March 14 Academy Awards are still months away, and much could change between now and then (just ask Emilia Pérez), there are a handful of films that feel like locks for best-picture nominations. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

Possibly an angel may now and then peep through the ventilators. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Part of it is the day to day nature of baseball, making the broadcasts often feel like an ongoing conversation, now and then punctuated by moments to which that voice will always be attached. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026

And between now and then, thinking back to the bliss of your stay, with all of its special touches, exemplary food, and nearly clairvoyant service. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 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