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.
Not cooling off too much between now and then will be imperative. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026 But every now and then, the wild reaches back. Itay Hod, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026 Powell's term ends officially on May 15, and there is only one more policy meeting between now and then. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026 Even the most experienced traveler can run into trouble every now and then. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 27 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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