NOW AND THEN Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

now and then

adverb

Definition of now and then

as in sometimes

on some occasions we do go to the library now and then, but not as often as we should

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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 and then While the March 14 Academy Awards are still months away, and much could change between now and then (just ask Emilia Pérez), there are a handful of films that feel like locks for best-picture nominations. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 Possibly an angel may now and then peep through the ventilators. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 Part of it is the day to day nature of baseball, making the broadcasts often feel like an ongoing conversation, now and then punctuated by moments to which that voice will always be attached. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026 And between now and then, thinking back to the bliss of your stay, with all of its special touches, exemplary food, and nearly clairvoyant service. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for now and then

Recent Examples of Synonyms for now and then

Adverb

The overtime is sometimes related to one-on-one care for psychiatric patients who might be suicidal or in danger of harming other patients or staff members.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Before Americans got used to mortgage rates below 5 percent, sometimes even below 3 percent, rates were consistently well above 7 percent for decades, from the 1970s through the 1990s.

— Julie Z. Weil, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of sometimes

Adverb

Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, Elon and all the major players that are kind of governing and holding the reins of this new technology, or occasionally losing the reins of this new technology.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Each fall, Earth crosses different parts of this sprawling debris stream, producing the overlapping Northern and Southern Taurids and, occasionally, the larger fragments that create spectacular fireballs.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of occasionally

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nowadays

now and then

noway

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“Now and then.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/now%20and%20then. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of now and then

adverb

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