by-product

noun

ˈbī-ˌprä-(ˌ)dəkt How to pronounce by-product (audio)
Definition of by-productnext
as in derivation
something that naturally develops or is developed from something else hydrogen is one by-product of that chemical reaction

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-product The by-product of his leadership will emerge if Sigur comfortably and confidently changes a game for Canada in the World Cup. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 1 June 2026 Although peak performance continues to improve, the models also churn out copious amounts of garbage as a by-product, requiring heroic interventions to sift sense from slop. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 Helium, which is mainly produced as a by-product of natural gas production, is crucial to semiconductor manufacturing. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 19 May 2026 New in-line measurement technologies enable tracking of substrates, by-products and metabolites continuously, inside the reactor, without pulling samples. — Hamid Noori, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for by-product
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by-product
  1. derivation
  2. derivative
  3. derivate
  4. result
  5. product
Noun
  • And woven into every page and at each chapter heading are gorgeous language derivations.
    — The Know, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
  • Many derivations of ad-hoc street meat can be found in every nook and cranny of Los Angeles, and which is the best one, or the closest best one, is a matter of considerable inquiry and opinion across the city.
    — Jordan Michelman, Wired News, 21 May 2026
Definition of derivation
Noun
  • Certain derivatives, commodities, emerging-market securities, and other investments are also subject to tax or market rules that limit in-kind transfers.
    — Debbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
  • Lynne Fitzpatrick is taking over as CEO of the derivatives exchange CME, making her one of the top women in finance.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Definition of derivative
Noun
  • While Apple shares were up more than 4% in trading Friday, all of the derivate plays were trading in the red.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 1 May 2026
  • With unique enough lore and a unique style, Saxon avoids making a derivate fable.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Definition of derivate
Noun
  • Any actions against those responsible for the structural failure are pending the results of the ongoing investigation, the agency said.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The result is a new generation of patients planning trips around treatments rather than squeezing appointments into an existing vacation.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of result
Noun
  • The launch fits a familiar Silicon Valley pattern — ship products first, ask for forgiveness later.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Over the past year, there’s been a wave of product announcements in the 401(k) industry as financial companies, taking their cues from the administration, have prepared to offer new options to plans.
    — Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 8 July 2026
Definition of product

Browse Nearby Words

bypaths
by-product
by-products
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on by-product

Nglish: Translation of by-product for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All