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 Picking out my wedding dress and stationery were definitely highlights, but menu planning was by and large my favorite part. Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 The answer, by and large, turns out to be secularism. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026 Inventory depends on which owners make their units available in the rental inventory, but residences are by and large decorated in a modern mountain style, with enormous layouts between one and seven bedrooms. Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 But by and large, the Kennedy Center was a steady presence that found new ways to promote American identity, whether that be Condoleezza Rice joining Yo-Yo Ma for a surprise classical duet or Diana Ross joining the National Symphony Orchestra for a night of disco. Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by and large
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by and large
Adverb
  • Although some information about board of managers applicants has been released, details on superintendent candidates have mostly remained under wraps.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Though operational only from 2000, its regal and spiritual trappings lend a unique old-world charm to those who come here—mostly from India, the Middle East, the UK, USA, France and Russia—looking for more than massages and weight loss.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Even though Khamenei's father is dead, an account with his portrait was active on Thursday, mainly reposting messages from his son.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
  • In Illinois — a state every bit as blue as Washington and New York — Pritzker has proposed a fiscal 2027 budget that’s mainly about belt-tightening.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Service Guests are looked after primarily by husband-and-wife team John and Olivia de Villiers who coordinate and host every aspect of a stay at Freelands.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The high costs are likely only temporary, depending primarily on the longevity of the conflict in the Middle East.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Gas prices in the United States have risen sharply, chiefly because of the de facto blockage of the crucial Strait of Hormuz off Iran’s southern coast.
    Niall Stanage, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Yet the effort has struggled to gain traction at the Capitol, chiefly blocked by Patrick, a gambling opponent who controls the Senate.
    Philip Jankowski Austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The game was largely back and forth after halftime, until the Jayhawks seized momentum late.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Officials with the state Air Resources Board said the proposal largely maintains the status quo for refineries.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • And through it all, the authors are careful to center the trials and tribulations of the players themselves, as opposed to the men who predominantly served as team owners, league officials, and coaches.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The reasons for this are manifold, but include the fact that the Academy’s directors’ branch, which decides on the nominations, is still predominantly male, and has historically overlooked the work of women.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Oscar predictors proclaimed earlier in the season that Chalamet was basically a shoo-in for the award.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Just two weeks ago Rivian launched RAD, which is short for the Rivian Adventure Department, and is basically the automaker’s former skunkworks operation gone legit with a budget and green light.
    Joel Feder, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The lawsuit notes that Lipari, as well as the individuals principally involved in Lipari Brothers’ operations, are white.
    Robert A. Cronkleton March 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
  • These are not exclusive to Helmand Province but principally focused on that province.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“By and large.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by%20and%20large. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on by and large

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!

More from Merriam-Webster