now 1 of 4

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

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
The desert is just as good now, with warm afternoons and cool nights ideal for a dinner under the stars in the Agafay. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Alysa Guffey The meeting has now started, but the vote is scheduled for later in the agenda. Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Adjective
The now 16-year-old female reticulated giraffe was born in Germany as part of a European breeding program, and has shown signs of respiratory distress for much of her life, the organization said. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025 The now 26-year-old superstar was coming off a trip to the NBA Finals and leading the league in scoring. Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
The now-teenager has been a constant presence by her mom's side over the years, joining her on her world tours, appearing in a music video and serving as inspiration for Pink's songs. ABC News, 8 June 2026 Millie swapped of-the-era straight-leg jeans for cord-denim pants with a more of-the-now barrel shape. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for now
Recent Examples of Synonyms for now
Adverb
  • On their 50 Something tour that is currently playing Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Rush is playing around with their catalogue of hits to give the audience some variety.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026
  • Officials say the source of the infection is currently unknown.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adverb
  • But lately, the chaos in the United States made the song seem regrettably apropos.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • That stands in contrast to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who's been publicly at odds with the White House a lot lately.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Adverb
  • Chalsma’s unstinting vociferousness, which sometimes seems over the top, leaves little doubt as to who shaped Coriolanus’ martial character.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The Drug Enforcement Administration does have those tools, and sometimes works with Brennan's office to investigate cases.
    Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Adverb
  • Affidavits supporting the Johnsons’ arrests were not immediately available Friday evening.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • What space the library does have is overwhelmingly downtown.
    Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Almost everything on this list is directly downtown, with two or so things being a 10- to 15-minute drive away.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 20 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Terry agreed, noting that today’s older adults helped shape the North Fulton community.
    Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • Compiled by the Associated Press That concludes today’s newsletter.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Adverb
  • The fact that none of them have to live in Los Angeles anymore, that everything is by tape, Zoom and these other things.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • Leaders cannot base decisions on experience anymore, Bäte argues.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
Adverb
  • Tracy had approached the team about a contract extension late in the 2005 season, a bold request considering the team’s record.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • An 18-year-old man was killed in a shooting late Tuesday night in Pittsburgh's East Hills neighborhood.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Now.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/now. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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