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.
This thinning process will allow sunlight to reach the canopy, thereby enhancing fruit production and helping to combat fungal diseases. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026 But the purpose of high-stakes testing is to pressure families to teach the material on the test, thereby exerting control over the curriculum. Nicholas Tampio, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026 Studies suggest that moderate chocolate consumption during pregnancy is safe and may help lower mothers' blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026 What the opening race confirmed unequivocally is that Formula 1’s already complex cars have become harder than ever before to drive—and thereby more unpredictable to watch. Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 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 16 Mar. 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

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