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

Katy Rudd is set to direct with set and costume designs by Tony-winning Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreography from Ellen Kane. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

The scents are housed in bottles designed by artist Ashley Longshore that are meant to be collectible. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Hours three and four fly by, interrupted only by a young male black bear crossing our path. — Johanna Wolfe, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

For spacing purposes, Steele has removed the following words – left, at, by, went, had, in, the, to, for, and, then and got – and has crafted his own abbreviations. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026