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.
But between now and then, there will be approximately one trillion fan cams set to these Peter Peter tracks. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026 But between now and then, head coach Mike White has some questions to answer before his team takes the field against Nebraska in the season opener. Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026 Allen stops by McDermott’s house now and then and has stayed for dinner. Dan Pompei, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 There’s a lot of hockey between now and then. Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 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 11 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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