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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

It’s OK to throw some blitz packages at the opposing QBs every now and then.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2025

“It’s been cruising along for a while, magnificently, and every now and then, the market just slams the brakes to make sure the passengers are still awake.”

From MarketWatch • Oct. 21, 2025

But there was an old set in the farmhouse and another in the Black Barn, and I’d watch every now and then.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

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.