now 1 of 4

adverb

ˈnau̇ How to pronounce now (audio)
Definition of nownext
1
as in currently
at the present time that company doesn't make those toys now because they are unsafe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lately
not long ago I was just now wondering what to do about those old clothes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sometimes
on some occasions goes now here, now there—all seemingly without plan or purpose

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in immediately
without delay come here right now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

now

2 of 4

adjective

as in downtown
keenly aware of and responsive to the latest developments especially in fashion and entertainment questioned the moral values of the now generation

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

now

3 of 4

conjunction

as in because
for the reason that I'll repeat my question now that you are paying attention

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now

4 of 4

noun

as in today
the time currently existing or in progress I know I said you could go, but that was then and this is now

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of now
Adverb
My two displays now sit inside a much larger local smart-home project. — New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026 Those shows are now shelved, and a reason has not been given. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
That green room is where his agent, Rich Paul, introduced him to his now coach with the LA Clippers, Ty Lue. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 Lawmakers failed to reach an agreement yesterday to end the now weeks-long Department of Homeland Security shutdown. — Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
Lee earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing from UNC Charlotte in 2013, found a job at Atrium Health Union and started dating her now-husband. — Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 The Padres are built to win now and this is a win-now type of trade that hurts but makes an immediate difference. — Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 25 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for now
Recent Examples of Synonyms for now
  1. currently
  2. lately
  3. sometimes
  4. immediately
  5. downtown
  6. today
  7. anymore
  8. late
Adverb
  • On the left, Harvey Barnes is currently first-choice, while Newcastle agreed a deal potentially rising to around £50million for Bazoumana Toure in July.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The second victim is currently in the hospital in stable condition.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of currently
Adverb
  • Looking back, the designer—who has been listening to a lot of Madonna lately—finds an unlikely analogy in an interview with the singer.
    — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Luckily for us, the A-list has supplied plenty of inspiration lately.
    — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of lately
Adverb
  • Much of the content generated promoted an organization called the International Burke Institute (IBI), the website of which features articles copied from real academic writing, sometimes with false attribution.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
  • She was held up as the pop cultural equivalent of a saint to a degree that sometimes obscured and distorted her creative drive and business acumen.
    — Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sometimes
Adverb
  • But that bipartisan effort was immediately panned by conservative groups, and little else has emerged as a serious solution.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Though freshman Jackson Cantwell likely could have stepped in immediately at left tackle, the junior Okunlola has the game experience (albeit mostly at guard) that should serve him well in taking on the opponent’s best edge rusher.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adjective
  • As Detroit prepares to welcome thousands of people downtown for Grand Prix weekend, city leaders say public safety has been a months-long effort.
    — Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 28 May 2026
  • For sports travelers, that means the pregame meal does not have to be a chain restaurant, and the postgame dinner does not have to be downtown.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026
Definition of downtown
Noun
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 A conversation close to home may only need simple words today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Tatcha’s top three stock keeping units today include its $74 Dewy Skin Cream, one jar of which is sold every 30 seconds, as well as the lightweight Water Cream and Rice Wash face wash, priced at $74 and $40, respectively.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of today
Adverb
  • Some parents told us their kids don't want to take the bus anymore.
    — Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Because technology for technology’s sake isn’t enough anymore.
    — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of anymore
Adverb
  • After nine consecutive losses against the Minnesota Lynx, the Valkyries finally broke through on Monday night in Minneapolis, setting the tone early and running away with the game late in the fourth quarter en route to a 80-66 win.
    — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Still, the administration late Monday filed a motion asking that the second hold be removed, and has posted new regulations from the Postal Service that would go into effect Tuesday if the legal pathway is fully cleared.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of late

Phrases Containing now

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novitiates
now
nowadays
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Cite this Entry

“Now.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/now. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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