by 1 of 2

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
Edman is still bothered by the same ankle injury that landed him on the IL twice this season but is expected to be available when the Dodgers start the postseason on Tuesday. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025 Dorward recommended that brands build momentum first by starting in an e-commerce, direct-to-consumer format. Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2025
Adverb
If the bear is sitting at a distance, feeding or walking by and notices you but continues its natural behavior, do not take any action. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 Summer is one of those seasons that can seem to fly by. Sara Schilling, Idaho Statesman, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by
Preposition
  • He's expected to appear via a video link, the advisory said.
    Jessica Gorman, ABC News, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Newsweek reached out to the White House via email on Sunday for comment.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Not affiliated with any State Lottery.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The Twins later mounted a challenge against Duran with both Vázquez and Ryan Jeffers collecting ninth-inning hits before the former Twins closer got Trevor Larnach to fly out to end the game.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • The team crowded around Johnson and offered hugs with celebratory cheers, shaking him around as Johnson got a bright smile on his face.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
  • No new platform has benefited more from this friction than Substack, which has nearly doubled its number of paying subscribers in the last year alone, from around 3 million to more than 5 million.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • China's carbon dioxide emissions from its power sector fell by almost 3% during the first half of this year as its growth in solar power matched the rise in electricity demand.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Loss of blood can also contribute to anemia (such as during menstruation or during a surgery), says Cording.
    Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The moment Princely Umanmielen was introduced to Carolina Panthers fans — as in, truly introduced — didn’t arrive when he was drafted, or during rookie minicamp, or at any of those other offseason workouts.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
  • So, that was a good learning experience and a humbling experience of being on the outside and trying to weasel my way in.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 25 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Chris Ash's defensive unit gave up 379 total yards to Purdue's offense, including 303 yards through the air, and the Boilermakers converted 21 first downs and possessed the ball for 28 minutes.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
  • The road was the site of an international crisis when Baku accused Armenia of smuggling landmines and other weapons into the enclave through the road, implementing a months-long blockade in response.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Beard would often mark the end of a season by going to a pub near the club’s ground with his backroom staff.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The widespread violations of EMTALA by psychiatric hospitals — and the lack of enforcement — come even as America’s mental health crisis is reaching a fever pitch, with suicide rates near record highs.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 22 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Carissa later compiled a video of his journey using clips and photos taken throughout the year.
    Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The car show is hosted throughout the campus and is organized and run mostly by students attending the university with little direct involvement from faculty.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“By.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.

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