now
16 synonyms and 0 antonyms for now, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — At this present moment.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use now
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English nū, going back to the Proto-Indo-European root for "now" — one of the oldest words in the language, found in nearly identical form across many Indo-European languages.
Full origin of now →Frequently asked questions
What does “now” mean?
The word “now” means at this present moment. In plain terms, right at this moment, or (as a linking word) introducing a new point.
How do you pronounce “now”?
“Now” is pronounced now (/naʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “now” in a sentence?
Here is “now” used in a sentence: “I need to leave now or I'll miss the train.”
What part of speech is “now”?
Depending on how it is used, “now” can be an adverb and a conjunction.
Where does the word “now” come from?
The word “now” comes from Old English. From Old English nū, going back to the Proto-Indo-European root for "now" — one of the oldest words in the language, found in nearly identical form across many Indo-European languages.
Is “now” a common word?
“Now” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “now” have?
“Now” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at this present moment.
What is the difference between 'now' and 'then'?
'Now' refers to the present moment — what is happening at this time. 'Then' refers to another time, either past or future, as in 'back then' or 'see you then.' They are natural opposites: 'now' anchors you in the present, while 'then' points to a different moment on the timeline.
What is the difference between 'now' and 'currently'?
Both describe the present, but 'now' is immediate and informal — 'call me now.' 'Currently' is more formal and suggests an ongoing situation rather than a single instant — 'she is currently studying abroad.' You would say 'do it now,' not 'do it currently.'
What is the opposite of 'now'?
There is no single opposite, but 'then' and 'later' both contrast with 'now.' 'Then' points to another time, past or future; 'later' specifically means after the present moment. 'In the past' and 'in the future' are fuller opposites when you want to stress an entirely different time.
What is an example of 'now' as an adverb?
In 'we need to leave now,' 'now' tells you the action should happen at the present moment. It can also mark a change — 'I understand now' — or open a sentence to shift attention: 'now, let's begin.' Each use points to the present in some way.