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.

So I brought a soccer ball to set a lot, and just whatever space we’re in, we just kick a ball to each other every now and then.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

They don’t want to fire people now and then be forced to hire again if the economy improves, particularly with skilled talent hard to find.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026

Should the stock decline between now and then, the money spent on the call would be lost, but that wouldn’t be so bad because you sold the stock position at a high price.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

But now and then, something slips through the cracks, something that can’t be sanitized or ignored, no matter how much money or editing goes into it.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

The ceiling was so low they had to crawl on all fours; even so, Penelope could not help bumping her head now and then.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

now and then

Example Sentences

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