thereby

adverb

there·​by t͟her-ˈbī How to pronounce thereby (audio)
ˈt͟her-ˌbī
1
: by that : by that means
thereby lost her chance to win
2
: connected with or with reference to that
thereby hangs a tale …William Shakespeare

Examples of thereby in a Sentence

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The actors will deliver quotes from the artists, thereby giving viewers a better understanding of the process and struggles of artists, Challis Davy said. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026 Critics argue that AHPs may segment the market by attracting healthier people, thereby undermining ACA risk pools and increasing costs for sicker enrollees. Justin Leventhal, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026 The study’s authors further stated that the poison found in the artifacts would not have killed prey instantly, but rather slowed prey down, thereby making the animal easier to catch. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026 However, as antioxidants, the polyphenols in olive oil can neutralize those harmful molecules, thereby reducing oxidative stress and disease risk. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thereby

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thereby was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Thereby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thereby. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

thereby

adverb
there·​by t͟ha(ə)r-ˈbī How to pronounce thereby (audio)
t͟he(ə)r-;
ˈt͟ha(ə)r-ˌbī
ˈt͟he(ə)r-
1
: by that : by that means
thereby lost her chance to win
2
: connected with or with reference to that
thereby hangs a tale

More from Merriam-Webster on thereby

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