oftentimes
adverb
W. V. QuineHerman MelvilleNathaniel HawthorneHenry David ThoreauBrian Wansink
Did you know?
Despite its archaic, literary ring, oftentimes is quite alive today. In fact, it seems to be more popular now than it was in past decades, appearing frequently both in written expression and in speech. Oftentimes was first used in the 14th century (the same century that gave us often), and its meaning hasn't changed—as meanings oftentimes will—in all that time. It was formed as an extension of its slightly older synonym ofttimes. Today ofttimes is less common, but oft (which comes from Old English and also means "often" or "frequently") is popular in combination with past participles, as in oft-praised.
Examples of oftentimes in a Sentence
Hallie Golden, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Mata was also concerned about how the data failed to display how INA staff works with the lowest English proficiency students in the district — specifically those who are unschooled, and oftentimes refugees who have just entered the country.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
Some can point to serious, oftentimes dangerous structural issues.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026
From starting off on the right promotional foot, to dealing with the oftentimes uncomfortable negotiation process, these garage sale mistakes and solutions are all about setting you up for a sale that’s bound to be the event of the season.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oftentimes
Cite this Entry
“Oftentimes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oftentimes. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy Citation
