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

Assassination attempts against Putin's foes -- routinely denied by the Kremlin -- have been common during his decades in power. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

But concrete reef structures powered by artificial intelligence could help to combat the environmental crisis. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 Oct. 2026

Adverb

Offense was again hard to come by in Game 3, but a key home run gave the Guardians a 2-1 series lead. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

An Actually Portable Espresso Maker Equipment for making great coffee away from home is tough enough to come by. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026