as in shortly
at or within a short time
we'll get under way by and by
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
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
-
For the foreseeable future, the two will be forever conjoined.—
Quentin Corpuel,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Manchester United had rejected several offers from City for fellow Lioness Grace Clinton but when the prospect of signing Park came about, negotiations regarding Clinton’s future turned a corner.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
With the Eagles leading 24-20, the Cowboys entered the red zone shortly before the weather delay.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
All devices are slated for release in Europe shortly, and Roborock says that the robot lawn mowers will come to the US eventually.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Order it today and place it on your mantel tomorrow thanks to Amazon Prime’s fast and free shipping.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The peak of hurricane season is here, and activity could soon ramp up, despite the relative quiet currently occurring in the tropics, according to meteorologists.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Scott’s work as a designer and consultant has positioned her as an expert and resource on Caribbean artisanal craft, vast technical knowledge, and the futurity of contemporary dress.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Centrally, by having a coltan miner as the protagonist, the film links futurity with materiality and labor.—
Ruby Thélot,
Artforum,
1 Oct. 2024
Adverb
-
The 20-year-old is currently around Spurs’ first-team squad covering for long-term injury absentee Radu Dragusin, but will likely head out on loan before long.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
-
These may show up in Ukraine before long, perhaps walking ahead of patrols to find booby traps and clear routes through minefields, or taking bullets to expose enemy firing position.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share