by-and-by 1 of 2

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
  • He was reportedly seen carrying a gun in Plaza Mariachi shortly before the shooting happened.
    Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Trump was sentenced shortly before his January 20 inauguration for a second White House term.
    Reuters, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Considering these changes are going into effect tomorrow and the current government shutdown is the longest in American history at more than 36 days, there’s reason to be concerned that Thanksgiving travel plans could be impacted.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • The entry of the American brand helped spur the rise of a thriving coffee culture among the burgeoning middle class of a country that traditionally drank tea, and Starbucks soon became a symbol of Western influence in a more affluent China.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • San Diego County’s social services could soon be expanding into a new frontier — primary care.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
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 10 Nov. 2025.

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