Then Definition & Meaning

then
adverb
  1. subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors); "then he left"; "go left first, then right"; "first came lightning, then thunder"; "we watched the late movie and then went to bed"; "and so home and to bed"
  2. in that case or as a consequence; "if he didn't take it, then who did?"; "keep it then if you want to"; "the case, then, is closed"; "you've made up your mind then?"; "then you'll be rich"
  3. at that time; "I was young then"; "prices were lower back then"; "science as it was then taught"
adjective
  1. at a specific prior time; "the then president"
noun
  1. that time; that moment; "we will arrive before then"; "we were friends from then on"

Synonyms for then

so adv

to a very great extent or degree; "the idea is so obvious"; "never been so happy"; "I love you so

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Then" in song lyrics

See how then is used in real songs:

  • "Uh you got the flyer already then?"
    2Mex f/ Awol One — Only as Good as Goodbye
  • "End of the beginning and then"
    3 Melancholy Gypsies — Beautiful Mind
  • "I want it now, I get it then"
    50/50 Twin f/ Paul Wall, Chamillionaire — Ballin' is a Habit

Words that rhyme with then

See all rhymes for then →

Usage tips for "then"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "then" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for then to find words that pair well.

Use "then" in a verse

Now that you know what "then" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

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♫ Rhymes with then 🔬 Words containing then

Frequently asked questions

What does then mean?
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors); "then he left"; "go left first, then right"; "first came lightning, then thunder"; "we watched the late movie and then went to bed"; "and so home and to bed" in that case or as a consequence; "if he didn't take it, then who did?"; "keep it then if you want to"; "the case, then, is closed"; "you've made up your mind then?"; "then you'll be rich" at that time; "I was young then"; "prices were lower back then
What part of speech is then?
Then is an adverb, an adjective, and a noun.
How many definitions does then have?
Then has 5 definitions across 3 parts of speech (adverb, adjective, noun).

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