now 1 of 4

adverb

ˈnau̇ How to pronounce now (audio)
Definition of nownext
1
as in currently
at the present time that company doesn't make those toys now because they are unsafe

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lately
not long ago I was just now wondering what to do about those old clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sometimes
on some occasions goes now here, now there—all seemingly without plan or purpose

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in immediately
without delay come here right now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

now

2 of 4

adjective

as in downtown
keenly aware of and responsive to the latest developments especially in fashion and entertainment questioned the moral values of the now generation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

now

3 of 4

conjunction

as in because
for the reason that I'll repeat my question now that you are paying attention

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now

4 of 4

noun

as in today
the time currently existing or in progress I know I said you could go, but that was then and this is now

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of now
Adverb
Terry Yost, a safety coordinator for Western Trailers, told the Statesman that Concentra has been a great partner for years, and the business is happy to have this resource for its Idaho employees now. — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026 The club now sits at 4 wins, 10 losses, 2 draws (14 points), just six points off a playoff spot but with plenty of congestion in between. — Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Adjective
Lawmakers failed to reach an agreement yesterday to end the now weeks-long Department of Homeland Security shutdown. — Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026 But when talking to the now mom of two, there’s a different version of her that emerges. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
Lee earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing from UNC Charlotte in 2013, found a job at Atrium Health Union and started dating her now-husband. — Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 The Padres are built to win now and this is a win-now type of trade that hurts but makes an immediate difference. — Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 25 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for now
Recent Examples of Synonyms for now
  1. currently
  2. lately
  3. sometimes
  4. immediately
  5. downtown
  6. today
  7. anymore
  8. late
Adverb
  • The country is currently experiencing conditions that would not be expected until late summer, if at all.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The market drops considerably after the leading contenders, and the long shots include the United States, which is currently the 19th favorite to win it all at +8000 after its round-of-16 exit on home soil in 2026.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of currently
Adverb
  • This move seems to have become her signature contribution lately.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Vance has been staking out his own pathway lately in what many political observers estimate is a lead-up to a 2028 presidential bid.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of lately
Adverb
  • Semmelman added that extradition of high-profile figures can sometimes take longer, especially if the defense aggressively invests resources in the litigation.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The bigger stars are sometimes tied to one place because of their careers, and if their significant other isn’t living with them or has responsibilities that take them elsewhere, the distance can put a strain on the relationship.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 July 2026
Definition of sometimes
Adverb
  • Spokespersons for Paxton’s campaign and office and the Texas Tech system did not immediately return requests for comment.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026
  • Avdis didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • As Detroit prepares to welcome thousands of people downtown for Grand Prix weekend, city leaders say public safety has been a months-long effort.
    — Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 28 May 2026
  • For sports travelers, that means the pregame meal does not have to be a chain restaurant, and the postgame dinner does not have to be downtown.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of downtown
Noun
  • Tropical storm conditions will continue spreading across portions of the northern and northwestern Gulf Coast within the warning area through today.
    — MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Let’s say Company A’s shares are worth $100 on the public market today.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of today
Adverb
  • The Tour de France shortened Stage 9, and a lead cyclist questioned whether a summer calendar even made sense anymore.
    — Laura Schifter, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Talent strategy isn't downstream of technology strategy anymore.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of anymore
Adverb
  • That need has helped to push the Nats to join the Miami Marlins, who started to employ the tactic in the majors late last season, and the Rockies, who hired the Marlins’ assistant pitching coach this winter.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • With the clock ticking down on the final minutes of the game, the Baoding team was unable to stop the offensive push that placed the home team into a 1-0 lead late in the second half.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of late

Phrases Containing now

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novitiates
now
nowadays
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Cite this Entry

“Now.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/now. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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