Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for every now and then. Search instead for Only now and then.
Synonyms

every now and then

Idioms  

  1. Also, every now and again; every once in a while; every so often. Occasionally, from time to time; also, periodically. For example, Every now and then I long for a piece of chocolate, or We take long walks every now and again, or Every once in a while he'll call, or Every so often she washes the car. The first term dates from the first half of the 1700s, the last from the mid-1900s. Also see from time to time; once in a while.

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.

“I know I’m pretty good at times, but you know, a bit of luck every now and then is helpful, too.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

That said, I don’t believe in astrology, but I still take a peek at my horoscope every now and then.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“If you want to fit oversized burgers into your healthy eating plan, enjoy them every now and then, and make sure to pair them with other good choices,” she said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

"There was only a few gig every now and then and everything was really small, but now I've been able to be part of so many incredible experiences and meet so many new people."

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

Of course, Jazz isn't old enough to work yet, but even she makes a few bucks every now and then, doing her little homegirls' hair.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.