The handiest currently synonym is often just now, but at present, at the moment, presently and these days each give a different shade of time. Some point to this exact moment; others describe a period that has lasted a while.
Writers lean on currently in cover letters, status updates and bios, so it piles up quickly. This page matches each of those with another word for currently, flags the presently trap, and explains when you can delete the word altogether. Sister pages on linking and time adverbs are gathered under connectors.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
now, at present, at the moment, these daysPart of speech
Adverb of timeMost formal
at present, presently, at this timeMost casual
right now, these daysAntonyms
formerly, previously, in the pastWatch out
In British English presently can mean soon. If readers may be British, at present is safer.Related form
current (adjective): see current synonyms
Three kinds of now
Currently can mean three slightly different things, and each has its own swaps.
| Idea | Swaps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| This very moment | now, right now, at the moment, as we speak | The server is down at the moment. |
| This period of life or history | these days, nowadays, today | These days most people pay by card. |
| True for now, may change | for the time being, as things stand, for now | For the time being, the office stays closed. |
Nowadays compares the present with the past, so it suits general trends, not your own schedule. Write I am studying law at the moment, not I am nowadays studying law.
Tone ladder for words meaning now
Those chips up top start chatty and end stiff. Right now is spoken and direct. Now fits nearly any sentence without drawing attention. At the moment is polite and slightly softer, ideal for customer messages. At present shows up often in official notices. Presently is the most formal and, as the quick facts warn, it can be misread.
Avoid the wordy phrase at this point in time. It adds four words and no meaning.
Currently synonym swaps in context
- I am currently working as a nurse becomes I work as a nurse; the present tense already says now.
- The item is currently out of stock becomes the item is out of stock at the moment.
- We are currently reviewing applications becomes we are reviewing applications now.
- Currently, remote work is common becomes these days, remote work is common.
- The road is currently closed becomes the road is closed for the time being.
- Currently there are no openings becomes at present there are no openings.
A profile bio reads: "Currently a designer, currently learning Spanish, currently based in Denver." Trimmed: "Designer based in Denver, learning Spanish." No time word needed at all.
Cover letters and resumes
Recruiters read currently in nearly every letter. Options that stand out:
- Drop it: I manage a team of six.
- Use a role phrase: In my present role, I manage a team of six.
- Use since for length: Since joining in spring, I have managed a team of six.
For job hunting vocabulary beyond time words, visit our career wording page.
When to leave the word out
English verbs carry time. I am writing a report already says now, so currently writing is often padding. Keep a time word only when you contrast the present with the past or the future: we currently ship to Canada, but next year we will add Mexico. Here currently earns its place, and at present or for now can replace it.
Opposites and contrast words
To point backward, use formerly, previously or once. To point ahead, use later, in the future or eventually.
- She previously taught math; she now runs the school.
- The park was once a rail yard.
For other time words, see immediately synonyms and sometimes synonyms.
Frequently asked questions
Can presently replace currently?
In American English, yes: the house is presently empty. In British English presently often means soon, so at present is the safer swap for a mixed audience.
Is nowadays a good swap for currently?
Only for general trends. Nowadays people stream music works. I am nowadays a student does not, because nowadays compares eras rather than your own status.
How do I avoid currently in a cover letter?
Use the simple present tense or say in my present role. Both sound confident and save space.
Which word for currently sounds most polite in customer messages?
At the moment is soft and friendly: we are unable to ship at the moment. For now also sounds kind because it hints the problem will pass.
Which antonym describes a past job?
Formerly or previously. Formerly a chef, she now writes cookbooks.
Is currently a transition word?
It is an adverb of time that can open a sentence, so it often works like a transition: Currently, the plan has two stages. A comma usually follows it at the start.