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
• in virtue 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
• towards
• 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
• amidst
• 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
• hereabout
• hereaways
• hereabouts
• hereaway
• thereabout
• conveniently
• thereabouts
• handily
• accessibly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of by

Preposition

And when daughter Emily got married in 2016, Melody scandalized the wedding by inviting her lover for all to see. Det. —Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025

Travel delays: Reimbursement for additional expenses caused by significant delays. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

Adverb

Nadja Jovanovic posted in her Winter Springs, Florida, Facebook group asking whether anyone would drive by in a sports car for her son Kosta’s 4th birthday. —Ronnie Li, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

Dark SUVs splash by on a nearby avenue, heading for macchiatos or some other post-Colonial suburban pursuit. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025