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

The second phase will be adoption, followed by a third phase of transformation over the next decade. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Darnold was replaced by backup quarterback Drew Lock, and Seattle’s offense continued to sputter during the first half. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

Adverb

The year 1066 is considered the start of our national story, and, though the tapestry has been held in Bayeux, France, for centuries, it was likely made in England, by and for people who lived through the conquest. — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

Experts say cool weather might be hard to come by in September 2026, but the other signs of fall will be arriving shortly. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026