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

Growing up surrounded by Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, the Muppets, and the broader special effects industry of the ’80s and ’90s left a lasting impression on Toby. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026

Protests have been happening across the country and in the DFW area following the death of 37‑year‑old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. —Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Adverb

America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers … but baseball has marked the time. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026

Use the scroll bar at the bottom to move the data over to the right to sort by highest to lowest. —Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026