by-and-by 1 of 2

Definition of by-and-bynext
as in future
time that is to come we shall meet again in the by-and-by

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

by and by

2 of 2

adverb

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-and-by
Adverb
The character giving that agonizing scream on the dragon, by and by, is Lady Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia). James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2023 But nemesis haunts every heroic age and, by and by, this good court would succumb to the corrupting influence of lesser men. Ian MacDougall, Harper's Magazine, 12 Sep. 2022 The red oak leaves were staying put, by and by, of course. Bob Timmons, Star Tribune, 16 Oct. 2020 The previous GoT prequel project starring Naomi Watts, by and by, shot a pilot in Northern Ireland before HBO decided not to move forward with that one. James Hibberd, EW.com, 14 Oct. 2020 Those numbers are going to get better, by and by. Byron McCauley, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2020 But by and by he allows himself to be coaxed into the fold. Michael Friedrich, The New Republic, 24 May 2018 Robert Frost would not gaze off into the snowy world, telling this tale with a sigh, by and by, not yet. Mary O’Connell , Longreads, 18 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by-and-by
Noun
  • Researchers in South Korea have achieved a breakthrough that can lead to safer and more efficient batteries, quickening the transition to clean energy and paving the way for a more sustainable future.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Schaeffer would be a valuable bridge to the team’s future.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Byrne and Cannavale first met in 2012 and sparked dating rumors shortly thereafter.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Carneiro crushed a 58-yarder shortly before half to cut the Hurricanes’ lead to 17-13.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The concept of the New Wave Fashion Awards was introduced last fall in a bid to turbocharge local creativity, nurture creative talent, and identify homegrown creative directors of tomorrow.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • The Senate rejected a three-year extension last month, but serious bipartisan talks are underway in hopes of finding a compromise soon, reportedly early next week.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • According to a Mercury News report from the time, the neighbor called for help, and was soon joined by another resident who described the apartment as having been ransacked.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Established in 2023, the biennial prize is given in recognition of next-gen multidisciplinary artists working at the intersection of art, media, and technology to explore notions of futurity and transformation.
    News Desk, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2025
  • This reading list offers resources for engaging with Indigenous thought, resistance, and futurity.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • But before long, Ben’s parents return with threats and manipulation, throwing the new life Ben has built into question.
    Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Mehdiyev was taken into custody, and before long the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was demanding return of its money.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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