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.
Campos still plays now and then, in charity games and exhibition matches. Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026 But also, there is no shame in taking a shortcut in the kitchen now and then. Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026 But now and then, someone comes up with a perfect jersey ad, and that's what the Wisconsin Badgers have done. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 Some of these eye-popping rocks are so massive and expensive, they're rarely seen in public—but their owners serve up a rare glimpse now and then to remind the world that diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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