Synonyms of by

by 1 of 2

preposition

ˈbī 

1

as in via

along the way of

went by the woods to get to the summer cottage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• via
• through
• across
• along
• under
• near
• by way of
• beyond
• over
• beneath
• below
• alongside
• outside
• throughout
• nearby
• underneath
• past

2

as in with

using the means or agency of

try to convince them by reason alone, if possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• with
• via
• through
• in
• per
• by means of
• by dint of
• in virtue of
• by virtue of

3

as in around

close to

that house is right by the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

• around
• near
• at
• beside
• about
• next door to
• across
• along
• towards
• alongside
• next to
• nigh
• toward
• circa

4

as in during

in the course of

she attends college by day and works at the club by night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• during
• throughout
• through
• amidst
• amid
• over
• pending

by

2 of 2

adverb

ˈbī 

as in in

at, within, or to a short distance or time

the library is close by

Synonyms & Similar Words

• in
• close
• near
• nearby
• at hand
• within call
• around
• at close quarters
• nigh
• alongside
• along
• hard
• on one's doorstep
• hereabout
• hereaways
• hereabouts
• hereaway
• thereabout
• conveniently
• thereabouts
• handily
• accessibly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of by

Preposition

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jefferson County coroner. —Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025

Central survived a pair of interceptions by Northwest defensive back Nic Curley on back-to-back possessions in the first quarter. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025

Adverb

In the meantime, the city isn’t waiting idly by, said Huber, the economic development director. —Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025

That's when a third unidentified man drove by and shot at the second shooter, adding him to the tally of people injured in the mass shooting. —Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025