BY A LONG SHOT Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

by a long shot

phrase

Definition of by a long shot

as in definitely

by a considerable margin He knew he wouldn't be able to make it on time by a long shot.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of by a long shot The White Horse Tavern, which opened in Newport in 1673, predates American independence by a long shot. — David Jefferys, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for by a long shot

by far

Phrase

In the new report to Congress, the figure for munitions was by far the largest, constituting well over half of all costs.

— Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Though China remains by far the biggest investor in African mining, countries across the continent are looking to reduce their reliance on Beijing while expanding their control over more valuable sections of the supply chain.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of by far

Browse Nearby Words

by all odds

by a long shot

by-and-by

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“By a long shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by%20a%20long%20shot. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of by a long shot

phrase

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

elegiac

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes