now and then

adverb

: from time to time : occasionally

now and then we go off to the country

Synonyms of now and then

• sometimes
• occasionally
• from time to time

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

The Sabres have their home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night, with plenty to clean up between now and then. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Enterprise revenue tends to be more resilient — whereas consumers may have no issue pausing a monthly subscription now and then as needed, companies don’t have that luxury. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for now and then

• businessmen
• councilmen
• henequen
• julienne
• madeleine
• middlemen
• minutemen
• motormen
• patrolmen
• repairmen
• saracen
• signalmen