oft

adverb

ˈȯft How to pronounce oft (audio)
Definition of oftnext
as in often
many times as I have oft said, you need to look before you leap

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 oft After nine games full of electric, nerve-wracking and oft-mystifying baseball, the Phillies finally lost 9-2 to the Mariners on Monday. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Despite Cardoso’s presence inside, the oft-unused reserve big found a way to be one of Golden State’s few reliable scorers in the first half. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026 There’s no rule banning an heir from naming their child after a color or city, but using oft-traditional family names lends historical weight to a future ruler from the day they’re born. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 Sparkly, semiattired Lolla kids are this weekend swarming around such oft-deserted environs as Van Buren Street, Jackson Boulevard and State Street. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oft
  1. often
  2. frequently
  3. constantly
  4. repeatedly
Adverb
  • But even with 22 tracks to work with, the sound too often defaults to a similar muted backdrop, which blurs some of the less distinct songs together.
    — Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The remote wilderness of Patagonia can so often feel inaccessible to the casual visitor.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of often
Adverb
  • Barbaro is strong as always, though — even if Mira speaks up frequently and seems unintimidated in the phallocentric environment — the actress could have been given more to do.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Gamblers who lose frequently are the bettors sportsbooks are most interested in, Matthew Gaskell, a British psychologist and expert on gambling addiction, said.
    — ProPublica, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of frequently
Adverb
  • Because of the data center being built in his backyard, Butters’ television loses power constantly, leaving him unable to relax and watch his beloved videos.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The solution is a lot of morphine and a lot of rest, both of which Cathy undertakes with Adam constantly (and chastely) by her side.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of constantly
Adverb
  • Republicans have expressed growing pessimism about their chances in the election, which will determine control of Congress, as the president has repeatedly dismissed concerns about high costs and gas prices as his unpopular war in Iran drags on.
    — MICHELLE L. PRICE, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Lead prosecutor Charlotte Draycott told jurors on Friday that the model and influencer was struck repeatedly in the head with a hammer inside a car driven by her former brother-in-law, with her ex-husband also inside.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of repeatedly

Browse Nearby Words

of sorts
oft
often
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oft. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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