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
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 See All Example Sentences for by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by
Preposition
  • That four-song EP is out November 7 via Tru Thoughts.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Because Riley is at USC, a private school, the institution is not required to disclose contract terms via open records laws.
    Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • What To Know While speaking with CNN's Kaitlan Collins on Friday, Mamdani was asked about his conversation with the state's attorney general.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The game began with a moment of silence for legendary Argentine coach Miguel Russo, who died on Wednesday after a long illness.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Following their release, Israel will free around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
    Itay Stern, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
  • All federal employees who are not paid during the shutdown, whether they were furloughed or remained working, are entitled by law to back pay once the shutdown ends.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • There are also potential resurgent teams, such as the Rangers, looking to get back in, plus other young groups, such as the Blue Jackets and Sabres, pushing right alongside Detroit.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • But Smith, a Loyalist, may not have been in as jubilant a mood as his guests.
    Victoria Flexner, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Tennessee answered Arkansas' opening touchdown with a 7-play, 75-yard scoring drive that was capped by DeSean Bishop’s 17-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • The other, dubbed the Entertainment District Unit, places more police in uptown during peak nightlife hours when most crimes are likely to occur at or near bars and nightclubs.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Dwindled in size from the thousands of Nebraska fans who took over this stadium in fourth quarter on Saturday, the throng still numbered hundreds outside of the gates near the Huskers’ locker room some 50 minutes after the game ended.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Checkmate has done lots of covert ops spy nonsense in comics throughout the years, and notable works with Batman on occasion.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The future of Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been a major talking point throughout the first five weeks of the 2025 NFL season.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“By.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

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