often

adverb

ˈȯf-tən How to pronounce often (audio)
Definition of oftennext
as in frequently
many times I seem to stumble often when I try to walk in high heels

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 often Besides the hike in energy use and cost, being home more often has led to more people becoming painfully aware of how poorly their systems run. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Limited-edition motorcycles often exist to inflate collectors' portfolios, but this one deserves to be ridden – preferably hard, preferably often. — New Atlas, 30 July 2026 Here’s what to know about how much to use, how often to reapply and why the SPF number tells only part of the story. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026 Energy and regime change can often be a part of the same story. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for often
Recent Examples of Synonyms for often
  1. frequently
  2. constantly
  3. repeatedly
  4. always
Adverb
  • As Ruiz tried to help Carson Palmquist navigate the early innings Tuesday, though, he was spotted looking over to the dugout frequently before pitches.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Measures could include reducing groundwater pumping and operating river locks less frequently, to limit saltwater flowing in.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of frequently
Adverb
  • Preoccupied with other priorities and under pressure to drive sales through constantly evolving trends, brands and designers often paid little attention to the impact their material choices had on animals and the environment.
    — P.J. Smith, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • The idea that a company constantly tracks what a car does, whether it was involved in a crime or not, manages to violate people’s expectations of privacy in their personal space and of freedom of movement simultaneously.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of constantly
Adverb
  • Jones has repeatedly denied the allegations since he was arrested in 2024.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Westerheide said that since the review, the county has repeatedly tried to remove dogs before cleaning kennels, but staff haven’t been able to find somewhere to keep them during the process.
    — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of repeatedly
Adverb
  • Meta has always had to invest in the data centers that serve its popular social networking services to people all over the world.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • Couture and bridalwear have always been seen as synonymous in India.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of always

Phrases Containing often

Browse Nearby Words

oft
often
oftentimes
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Cite this Entry

“Often.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/often. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of often for Spanish Speakers

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