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
From General Hospital's big wins, to Drew Barrymore's first Emmy, keep scrolling to see which fan-favorites come out on top by viewing the complete list of winners from the 2025 Daytime Emmys. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 After the short film’s world premiere at Telluride in 2024, where it was selected by director Barry Jenkins, Two People Exchanging Saliva went on that year to snag AFI Fest’s Grand Jury Prize. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Having the right headline can make the difference between someone reading it and scrolling right by. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025 His nervous piano keys and synth swells are a big part of what makes One Battle’s nearly-three-hour runtime fly by. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by
Preposition
  • Having found compelling stories among the fans via social media, Castagna shot throughout the festival with two camera units.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The second-row seats then fold via the slide assist spring.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • As early as the 1620s, the Dutch and English settlers who established farming and fishing communities came into conflict with the remnants of Algonquian-speaking peoples.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But even working with young elite athletes, Wolff believes everyone should take it a little easier on the generation.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • The Broncos put that streak in jeopardy first when Nix sandwiched a touchdown run and a short scoring pass to rookie running back RJ Harvey around a Justin Strnad interception.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Soros is also an investor in Vice, which has quietly been slightly rebuilding its news output around founder Shane Smith’s podcast.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Her memoir includes reflections on the campaign, insights about her relationship with Biden and his family, and perspectives on key moments during the election.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Carrie Ann Inaba felt the routine was disjointed and encouraged him to watch Rylee's line during rehearsal.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • So grab a plate, settle in, and let these films take you back to the yard—where the music never stops, the bonds run deep, and every Homecoming feels like family coming home again.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 16 Oct. 2025
  • As long as sports remains the straw that stirs TV’s drink, the ad dollars will continue to roll right in.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Tennessee’s offensive line has allowed a combined 82 pressures, 46 hurries, and 15 QB hits through six games, per Pro Football Focus.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • According to Reuters, 58 reports describe Teslas blowing through red lights, drifting into the wrong lanes and even crashing at intersections.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Photos taken of the aftermath show the aircraft partially submerged in water near the airport's sea wall.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The incident on Saturday morning began when Oakland police were called about person who had broken into a home on the 11000 block of Ettrick Street, in a hills neighborhood near the Oakland Zoo.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • But Cunningham’s confidence from behind the arc throughout preseason has been his most intriguing development.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The film was very much an authorized project, with director Joseph Kosinski and his crew filming at several races and F1’s (and its corporate sponsors’) branding visible throughout the film.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“By.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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