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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

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
Perhaps these almost impregnable offspring evolved to survive predation by now-extinct mastodons. — Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026 He is now tied with Sebastian Janikowski for the third-most 50-plus yarders in NFL history. — Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
All of the world’s greatest golfers combined are boring compared to Tiger and his now Elvis-like descent. — Mac Engel april 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026 Gates has also drawn scrutiny for emails mentioning his now ex-wife, Melinda French Gates. — Ava Berger, NPR, 8 Apr. 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
Adverb
  • There was no suspect information, and while the sheriff's office said earlier Monday that there was currently no active threat to the community, Rosas said a shooter could still be at large.
    — Senior Editor, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • If elected to council, Clemmons hopes to focus on the city budget, which is currently facing about a $10 million shortfall for 2027.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Holiday put up 12 in the first meeting, but Portland has been feeding him more lately.
    — Colin Lynch, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Despite some big gains lately, Broadcom stock is roughly flat for the year.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • These connections may experience interference or dropouts independently of the control link, meaning a pilot can sometimes lose the camera feed while retaining control of the aircraft.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The leaves are steeped in a hollowed gourd and the drink is sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla, and the gourd passes from hand to hand among friends, family and sometimes strangers, refilled for hours.
    — ISABEL DEBRE, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Jefferson immediately took off for the remaining 14 yards to the end zone on a quarterback draw.
    — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2026
  • Friends offer support Outside the courtroom immediately following the hearing, Masias’ supporters were upbeat.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2026
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
Noun
  • Ciarán himself has spent an itinerant four years since Brockhampton’s dissolution in 2022 crafting Róisín, a solo debut that looks back through today’s bedroom-pop bricolage into the roomy vaults of D’Angelo and Prince.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Largely made of aluminum to conserve weight, SS United States was about 10 mph faster than today’s cruise ships, which have more steel construction.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • Too many people, especially lower-income families, just can’t make ends meet anymore.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026
  • And also the trauma of fame, like not being able to go to Target anymore.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026
Adverb
  • While Edmonds and Robinson carried the way early, Harding got going late as the Lions routinely put him on the free-throw line in the first half.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Doncic, who was called for a technical foul late in the first half — his second of the season — had 24 points by halftime.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Now.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/now. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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