now

Meanings

• the momentary present
  • "Now is a good time to do it"
  • "it worked up to right now"
• in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
  • "President Kennedy now calls in the National Guard"
  • "Washington now decides to cross the Delaware"
  • "the ship is now listing to port"
• in these times; - Nancy Mitford
  • "it is solely by their language that the upper classes nowadays are distinguished"
  • "we now rarely see horse-drawn vehicles on city streets"
• used to preface a command or reproof or request
  • "now hear this!"
  • "now pay attention"
• at the present moment
  • "goods now on sale"
  • "the now-aging dictator"
  • "they are now abroad"
  • "it could happen any time now"
• without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
  • "Come here now!"
• (prefatory or transitional) indicates a change of subject or activity
  • "Now the next problem is..."
• in the immediate past
  • "told me just now"

Synonyms

at once, at present, directly, forthwith, immediately, instantly, like a shot, nowadays, right away, straight off, straightaway, today