by 1 of 2

1
2
as in with
using the means or agency of try to convince them by reason alone, if possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in during
in the course of she attends college by day and works at the club by night

Synonyms & Similar Words

by

2 of 2

adverb

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 by
Preposition
Edman is still bothered by the same ankle injury that landed him on the IL twice this season but is expected to be available when the Dodgers start the postseason on Tuesday. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025 Dorward recommended that brands build momentum first by starting in an e-commerce, direct-to-consumer format. Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2025
Adverb
If the bear is sitting at a distance, feeding or walking by and notices you but continues its natural behavior, do not take any action. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 Summer is one of those seasons that can seem to fly by. Sara Schilling, Idaho Statesman, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by
Preposition
  • The deal is good at any participating Krispy Kreme shop for a free medium hot or iced coffee and a free doughnut of choice, no purchase necessary (good in stores and via drive-thru at participating shops).
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Those who felt the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Not affiliated with any State Lottery.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The Twins later mounted a challenge against Duran with both Vázquez and Ryan Jeffers collecting ninth-inning hits before the former Twins closer got Trevor Larnach to fly out to end the game.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • On the football field of Holy Redeemer Church in Burton, dozens of people from around Genesee County held candles to collectively pray for the United States and those affected by violence.
    Tess Ware, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about Kirk’s killing prompted ABC to temporarily suspend his late-night TV show, which has prompted widespread concerns around free speech.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Indeed, the flurry of AI deals announced during the month, with OpenAI at the center of many of them, turbocharged the stock market.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing a total of 2,788 long-range Ukrainian drones during September, at an average of just under 93 per day.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The moment Princely Umanmielen was introduced to Carolina Panthers fans — as in, truly introduced — didn’t arrive when he was drafted, or during rookie minicamp, or at any of those other offseason workouts.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
  • So, that was a good learning experience and a humbling experience of being on the outside and trying to weasel my way in.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 25 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Start with the core-album catalog, and then comb through the Rolling Stone article archive.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Evans said building a new parking garage near downtown would cost over $20 million, and that space is limited in the area for new lots or parking structures.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The church building, circled by a parking lot and a large lawn, is near residential areas and a Jehovah’s Witness church.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Carissa later compiled a video of his journey using clips and photos taken throughout the year.
    Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The car show is hosted throughout the campus and is organized and run mostly by students attending the university with little direct involvement from faculty.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“By.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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