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Synonyms

at present

Idioms  

  1. Also, at the present time. Now, as in I've not enough cash at present to lend you any, or At present the house is still occupied. This slightly longer way of saying “at this time” formerly was even longer——denoting a more specific time. [Mid-1600s] Also see at this point.

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.

Trading oil at present is no plain sailing because transiting a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz is no plain sailing, either.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

And there is little indication at present that tensions in the region will diminish.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

That means looking after them better than we are at present, especially when they are told they are not good enough, which happens with the vast majority of these kids.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

The critical missing link at present is a viable transitional government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

At the last few parties the excited gossip in the powder rooms has been that at present the house is vacant.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

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.