today
6 synonyms for today, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — On the current day.
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.
this day
these days
at present
How to use today
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
today's news
as of today
here today
Etymology
From Old English tō dæġe, literally "on this day" — a fusion of to and day that became a single word over time.
Full origin of today →Frequently asked questions
What does “today” mean?
The word “today” means on the current day. In plain terms, refers to the present day, or more broadly to the current era or time we live in.
How do you pronounce “today”?
“Today” is pronounced tuu-DAY (/təˈdeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “today” in a sentence?
Here is “today” used in a sentence: “We need to finish this report today.”
What part of speech is “today”?
Depending on how it is used, “today” can be an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “today” come from?
The word “today” comes from Old English. From Old English tō dæġe, literally "on this day" — a fusion of to and day that became a single word over time.
Is “today” a common word?
“Today” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “today” have?
“Today” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: on the current day.
What is the difference between 'today' and 'now'?
'Today' refers to the whole of the current day, from midnight to midnight, as in 'I'll finish it today.' 'Now' means this exact moment: 'I need it now.' Today is a span lasting a day; now is a single point in time. Something can be true today without happening right now.
Can 'today' be used as a noun?
Yes. Besides working as an adverb, as in 'she arrives today,' 'today' can be a noun meaning the present day itself ('today is Monday') or the present era more broadly ('the youth of today'). As an adverb it tells when; as a noun it names the day or the age.
What is the difference between 'today' and 'tonight'?
'Today' covers the entire current day, though it often implies the daytime hours. 'Tonight' refers specifically to the evening and night of the current day. So 'today' can include tonight within it, but 'tonight' points only to the later, darker hours of the same day.
