oftentimes

adverb

of·​ten·​times ˈȯ-fən-ˌtīmz 

ˈȯf-tən-

: on many occasions : often

The quickness of the hand oftentimes deceives the eye.

—W. V. Quine

Seemingly untoward events oftentimes lead to successful results.

—Herman Melville

Oftentimes they were asleep, but occasionally might be heard talking together …

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

A man's ignorance sometimes is not only useful, but beautiful – while his knowledge, so called, is oftentimes worse than useless …

—Henry David Thoreau

Oftentimes cyclists mistake dehydration for hunger.

—Brian Wansink

Did you know?

Despite its archaic, literary ring, oftentimes is quite alive today. In fact, it seems to be more popular now than it was in past decades, appearing frequently both in written expression and in speech. Oftentimes was first used in the 14th century (the same century that gave us often), and its meaning hasn't changed—as meanings oftentimes will—in all that time. It was formed as an extension of its slightly older synonym ofttimes. Today ofttimes is less common, but oft (which comes from Old English and also means "often" or "frequently") is popular in combination with past participles, as in oft-praised.

Synonyms of oftentimes

• often
• frequently
• constantly

Examples of oftentimes in a Sentence

Oftentimes, he is the only man in the aerobics class.

children oftentimes don't realize how quickly time passes

Recent Examples on the Web

Nvidia oftentimes can dictate the movement of index funds that track the S&P 500, which sit at the heart of many 401(k) accounts. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025

Well, different administrations, both Democratic and Republican have tried different solutions for addressing the border, and oftentimes the main way that the border is addressed is primarily through an enforcement-only lens. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

While these techniques are oftentimes thought to be implemented at bedtime, sleep interventions can begin during the day and start with exercise. —Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025

Witches Witches in Rice's world are humans born with special supernatural sensitivities, oftentimes extra sensory perceptions or the power of telekinesis. —Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for oftentimes

• betimes
• enzymes
• lifetimes
• mealtimes
• ofttimes
• oximes
• pastimes
• sometimes
• sublimes
• chimes
• climbs
• climes

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Kids Definition

oftentimes

adverb

of·​ten·​times -ˌtīmz 

variants or ofttimes

ˈȯf(t)-ˌtīmz 

: often