by 1 of 2

Definition of bynext
1
2
as in with
using the means or agency of try to convince them by reason alone, if possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in during
in the course of she attends college by day and works at the club by night

Synonyms & Similar Words

by

2 of 2

adverb

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
Preposition
At least one crew member of the two-seater F-15 jet was able to eject after the craft was shot down by Iranian forces, according to multiple news reports. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 In Rome, Pope Leo XIV observed the first Good Friday of his papacy by carrying a wooden cross for all of the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross, marking the first time in decades that a pope carried the cross to every station. Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adverb
According to court records, 21-year-old Denise Amber Lee was outside her North Port home with her two sons — a toddler and an infant — in January 2008 when King drove by and spotted her. ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026 The unusual naming and theming concept the partners devised for their original store — to spark curiosity from passers-by, as well as appreciation from the community that a local landmark was being remembered — became the company trademark. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by
Preposition
  • However, starting in January 2026, employee paycheck withholdings should reflect the tips and overtime deductions, which means workers will see the benefit each pay period rather than via a lump sum next tax season.
    Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Humans can breathe them in via particles in the air or ingest them through food and water.
    Erika Edwards, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • David's live chat with readers starts at 12 p.m. ET on Monday.
    David Ignatius, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2026
  • In interviews with The Star, politicians, consultants and other political experts touted Graves’ ability to use his influence in Washington to bolster Kansas City’s most important projects.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • Standing there as the fire roared on and the crowd around her grew, the strong community support was already apparent.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Two elegant lounges around the main reception hold deep velvet sofas, and the décor is all original or recreated oak panelling, intricate cornicing, 19th century fireplaces and granite flagstones.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • But there was the more important distance — the one separating Liverpool’s summer signing (from the Swedish top-flight club Kristianstad DFF) from the high-ankle sprain in December suffered during a benign set-piece session.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Mayor Lauren McLean choked up during a special City Council meeting that afternoon where the proclamation was made.
    Angela Palermo April 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • On the plus side, the kitchen block includes a 68-L refrigerator on its front wall, making for easy access from both outside and in.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026
  • With a two-handed push shot right out of 1950s Indiana, right out of another movie, Hoosiers, Mullins launched it up and in, sweet and pure.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Within in an hour of the first departure in Lantana, the helicopter nosedived through the roof of a vacant warehouse near the 3800 block of South Congress Avenue just west of Interstate 95.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Their first conversation is comically lopsided, and McKellen, purring his way through what is effectively a monologue, lays the groundwork for his most vividly inhabited and hilariously irascible performance in years.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Preposition
  • The global war on terror was near its peak.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • With Duke playing keep-away to prevent the Huskies from fouling, Cayden Boozer’s pass near midcourt was deflected, and after UConn came up with the ball, Demary made a shot from well behind the 3-point line.
    Noah Trister, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Despite being bothered by his elbow throughout the 2025 campaign, Rodón enjoyed his best season with the Yankees last year.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Some constituents argue the Republican from Tarkio has not been receptive to their concerns throughout his 13 terms in Congress.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“By.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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