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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
But now, the technology has caught up and people are tricked. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 By now, the Longhorns should come with a disclaimer warning that any lead could turn into a tie at any moment. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 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
  1. currently
  2. lately
  3. sometimes
  4. immediately
  5. downtown
  6. today
  7. anymore
  8. late
Adverb
  • But for at least two more days, Haslem remains the only undrafted player in NBA history who’s currently the all-time leading rebounder for a franchise.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Take one workflow where the next step currently depends on somebody making a judgment call, and then break that judgment apart.
    — Maria Scott, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of currently
Adverb
  • That hasn't been the trend lately, as Friday's slide in the stock market coincided with an aggressive sell-off in bonds, a trade largely driven by fears of escalating oil prices hitting both asset classes.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Ashley’s view Concerns about AI and technology have simmered under the surface of American campaign politics for years, but have never been a fully salient everyday issue for voters until lately.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of lately
Adverb
  • Small boats called pangas leave Baja at night and sometimes travel hundreds of miles north.
    — Jaimie Ding, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Despite their sometimes dark history, Jones believes the enduring fascination with castles goes beyond what meets the eye.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of sometimes
Adverb
  • Federal policy now allows businesses to deduct domestic research costs immediately, leaving more capital available for engineers, prototypes, and equipment.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • There was little in the way of heavy equipment immediately available.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 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
  • Various solutions exist today, but one of the most common is something called a Whipple Shield.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • While the severe storm threat is less today, some storms Sunday afternoon and evening could be strong enough to produce gusty winds, isolated large hail and possible tornadoes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of today
Adverb
  • Some voters view him as the establishment, despite not being a lawmaker anymore.
    — Saige Miller, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
  • At home, Lindsey and her husband, Garret, noticed that Jaxson had stopped babbling, and wasn’t able to walk anymore.
    — Ciara McCarthy October 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of anymore
Adverb
  • Cocoa prices have dropped in the last year, but relief is coming too late to help prices for this Halloween, said David Branch, sector manager at Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute.
    — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The Wizards did cut the lead to 3 points late, but free throws and rebounding ultimately clinched the win for Charlotte, who improved to 3-1 on the season.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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