by and large

Definition of by and largenext

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 and large Wedgewood had to be on his tootsies early — the first 11 minutes were a snooze-fest, by and large. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026 But by and large, most people are not going to see any savings. Kyle Cheromcha, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026 Most importantly, the wine inside is, by and large … actually good. Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026 Throughout the summit, the networkers were, by and large, wary of me, a representative of the fake news media evidently out to ruin their lives and stymie their future careers—apart from one intrepid college freshman who asked me about internship opportunities at this magazine. Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by and large
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by and large
Adverb
  • Following those highs came a string of solid but unexciting records, which mostly stuck with Metric’s formula while adding the occasional left-field lyric about the Kool-Aid-drinking masses or confounding reference to QAnon.
    Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026
  • Used mostly during financial crises, the Fed gives dollars to another country's central bank and receives an equal amount of the foreign bank's currency in return.
    Steve Liesman,Matt Peterson, CNBC, 4 May 2026
Adverb
  • The layout resembled a samurai sword, where the hardest material is concentrated mainly along the cutting edge.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
  • In the complex circulatory system of a Boeing 737, the landing gear is controlled mainly by hydraulics driven by the left engine.
    James Glanz, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Adverb
  • While Hypersail will be primarily powered by the wind in its 131ft high sail plan, the boat will be configured to capture all kinds of renewable energy on its way across the oceans, says Ribigini.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • Throughout the album, the beats are felt primarily in the ribcage and the gut.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 May 2026
Adverb
  • Another amendment adopted to the bill sought to address multiuser accounts, chiefly by having parental and subordinate accounts.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The latest news is, in essence, a third iteration of how best to expand Villa Park, chiefly led by the rebuild of its North Stand.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • But with the $110 billion megadeal yet to close, the exec has been given a new contract ahead of his current deal expiring, and one largely with agreement terms unchanged.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The origins of outlaw country music, popular in the 1970s and ‘80s, are largely credited to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, but Coe was a seminal figure in the subgenre.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Working with predominantly Latino families, Barba said the nine-week intervention, which usually consists of six to 10 community members, became a way to help people deal with fear arising from the immigration enforcement activities happening in Lake County as well as throughout the Chicago area.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks after two men were stabbed in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood of north London.
    Greg Miller, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • In 2000, when scientists gathered at the White House with President Bill Clinton to mark what was basically the completion of efforts to sequence all human genes, Venter was standing next to the president and celebrated for his rival sequencing effort.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
  • That’s basically the difference, to be honest with you.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • The biggest beneficiaries of Gulf defense spending in recent years have been Western allies, principally the US.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Both are principally manufactured by TSMC.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“By and large.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by%20and%20large. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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