oft

adverb

ˈȯft How to pronounce oft (audio)
Synonyms of oftnext
chiefly literary
: often
oft asked questions
an oft quoted statement

Synonyms of oft

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Examples of oft in a Sentence

as I have oft said, you need to look before you leap
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Harvey wasn’t particularly efficient last year, even less than the much older and oft-injured Dobbins. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 After nine games full of electric, nerve-wracking and oft-mystifying baseball, the Phillies finally lost 9-2 to the Mariners on Monday. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Despite Cardoso’s presence inside, the oft-unused reserve big found a way to be one of Golden State’s few reliable scorers in the first half. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026 There’s no rule banning an heir from naming their child after a color or city, but using oft-traditional family names lends historical weight to a future ruler from the day they’re born. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oft

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German ofto often

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oft was before the 12th century

Rhymes for oft

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Browse Nearby Words

of sound mind
oft
often
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Cite this Entry

“Oft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oft. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oft

adverb
ˈȯft How to pronounce oft (audio)
: often
an oft neglected factor
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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