now and then

adverb

Synonyms of now and thennext
: from time to time : occasionally
now and then we go off to the country

Synonyms of now and then

Relevance
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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.
To Nothing’s credit, the case gets IPX2 ingress protection, so a drop of rain now and then shouldn’t kill it. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 Between now and then, both SpaceX and Blue Origin have more than a dozen test demonstrations and vehicle milestones to achieve, including success during Artemis III and flights afterward. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026 President Penn and her husband Todd (Whitford) get to throw down now and then, as a husband who already feels emasculated has to sit and watch his wife recede into bitter militance. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026 There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a pumpkiny beverage or muffin now and then. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 12 Oct. 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

Rhymes for now and then

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Browse Nearby Words

now and again
now and then
nowanights
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Cite this Entry

“Now and then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/now%20and%20then. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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