Synonyms of by

by 1 of 2

preposition

ˈbī 

1

as in via

along the way of

went by the woods to get to the summer cottage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• via
• through
• across
• along
• under
• near
• by way of
• beyond
• over
• beneath
• below
• alongside
• outside
• throughout
• nearby
• underneath
• past

2

as in with

using the means or agency of

try to convince them by reason alone, if possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• with
• via
• through
• in
• per
• by means of
• by dint of
• by virtue of

3

as in around

close to

that house is right by the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

• around
• near
• at
• beside
• about
• next door to
• across
• along
• alongside
• next to
• nigh
• toward
• circa

4

as in during

in the course of

she attends college by day and works at the club by night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• during
• throughout
• through
• amid
• over
• pending

by

2 of 2

adverb

ˈbī 

as in in

at, within, or to a short distance or time

the library is close by

Synonyms & Similar Words

• in
• close
• near
• nearby
• at hand
• within call
• around
• at close quarters
• nigh
• alongside
• along
• hard
• on one's doorstep
• hereabouts
• hereaway
• conveniently
• thereabouts
• handily
• accessibly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of by

Preposition

An investigation by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners found that while the three medications were administered in non-fatal doses, Hemphill failed to acknowledge the way the drugs would act when combined, according to the warrant. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

One way to begin is with the mental and physical reset provided by the Crossings Ceremony, the most recent addition to Miraval Austin’s Life in Balance Spa offerings. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

Adverb

In Gardiner and nearby New Paltz, walking, hiking, and biking trails are easy to come by, with the Shawangunk Mountains right there. — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Fresh meat was not always easy to come by, so locals folded Spam into everyday cooking. — USA Today, 10 July 2026