by 1 of 2

Definition of bynext
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 Stars’ franchise record for power play goals in a season is held by Dino Ciccarelli (22 power play goals in 1986-87). Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026 The turnaround started as soon as the second-half whistle sounded, with TCU starting the half on an 18-3 run powered by a three-point barrage from Miles, Donovyn Hunter, Taylor Bigby and Suárez. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026
Adverb
One person said their robotaxi stopped in traffic with cars buzzing by while another said the car went the wrong way on a one-way street under construction. Brian Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026 In other words, chances are that even more young people will be enticed to bet on how many vehicles will pass by in CCTV footage. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by
Preposition
  • The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said before chairing a meeting of EU and Gulf foreign ministers via video link Thursday that the talks would look at how Ukraine's experience can help countries counter Iranian drones.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Those who felt the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Simmons’ priorities are fiscal stability with responsibility, public health and accountability around the operation of the county jail.
    Rachel Royster Updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The net retention percentage above 100% shows that customers are expanding their relationship with CrowdStrike and adding new security modules after their initial deal.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Simmons’ priorities are fiscal stability with responsibility, public health and accountability around the operation of the county jail.
    Rachel Royster Updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Simply mix 250g of low-fat quark (which contains around 20g of protein) with 40g of ground oats, half a banana as a natural binding agent and a dash of milk.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • The hotel hosts kid-friendly events, and the magnificent Christmas tree has become a photo op for guests of all ages during December.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026
  • There’s a lower level of proof for a preliminary hearing — not the same burden of proof that’s needed during a trial, which requires that the jury believe the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
    Alex Brizee March 3, Idaho Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The moment the band members began this chant at Woodstock became arguably the biggest moment of their careers, with over 400,000 people joining in.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The core concept that drives Rooster is Greg’s desire to swoop in and help his daughter, Katie (Charly Clive), after her husband cheats on her with a younger woman.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Meteorologists warn that some storms, including supercells, may develop through the day, with the most intense activity likely in the evening and overnight.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • As more observations are collected, those uncertainties shrink, allowing scientists to better understand the object’s true path through space.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Military planners in Washington are examining a high-risk option to secure Iran’s near bomb grade uranium as uncertainty grows over where the material is located.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Oil prices spiked near $120 per barrel before falling back Monday as the Iran war intensified, threatening production and shipping in the Middle East and pummeling financial markets.
    Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • The third site, in the 900 block of Reno Avenue in Modesto, was used by the drug trafficking organization to store and distribute illicit narcotics, which were being sold throughout Northern California, authorities said.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Nayara opened as one of the leading eco-resorts in Central America, and that ideal has been a constant throughout its evolution.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“By.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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