often

adverb

of·​ten ˈȯf-tən How to pronounce often (audio) ˈȯ-fən How to pronounce often (audio)
Synonyms of often
: many times : frequently
… are often puzzled and sometimes annoyed by the ways of other peoples …—W. A. Parker

Synonyms of often

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Examples of often in a Sentence

They go out to dinner fairly often. How often do you call your mother? The condition often returns even after treatment with antibiotics. I often take a walk during my lunch break. He travels more often than I do. The disease is diagnosed most often in children. They seem to be getting into arguments more and more often. It's not often that I get to enjoy a day off. Water the plants often enough to keep the soil moist.
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.
The most powerful dividend raisers often come from stocks that many investors overlook because of their thin headline yields. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 The gardener often continues to feed the struggling plant, worsening the problem. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 Californians are accustomed to legislating by the ballot and often face a list of propositions. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 As far as how often to use hair oil, this also depends on your hair type, says Amy Huson, owner of Rose Salon in Venice, California. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for often

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of oft

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of often was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing often

Rhymes for often

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Browse Nearby Words

oft
often
oftenness
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Cite this Entry

“Often.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/often. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of often for Spanish Speakers

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