now and then

ADVERB

once in a while

Synonyms

STRONGEST

every now and then every so often infrequently intermittently now and again occasionally periodically sporadically

WEAK

at intervals at times every once in a while from time to time hardly irregularly not often off and on on occasion once and again once in a blue moon once in a while once or twice sometimes

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As the process unfolds, oil will probably jump from now and then, which would send oil stocks higher.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

“Every now and then, when something is right, we’re going to try it and see if we feel like it works.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

"I have never seen them before in real life, but through the phone, we call now and then," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026

Given some of the similarities between now and then, there’s a growing worry that the stocks may again suffer the same fate.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Mrs. Maroney rose now and then, looking tense and tight—though a little lighter on her feet, I observed.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

now and then

Example Sentences

Related Words