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
  • The owners of the now-shuttered West Suburban Medical Center faced off in court Friday over the hospital’s future, amid accusations of mismanagement and questionable fund transfers.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • She is then forced to reckon with her past and take ownership of her future.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026
Adverb
  • The stone was found in mid-April, shortly after the country’s traditional New Year celebrations.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • The suspect, whose name was not released in line with Dutch privacy regulations, was arrested shortly after the attack.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • Daniel de Visé While dozens of passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship have started their journeys home, the disembarkation process is expected to continue into tomorrow.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • At the same time, the moon in Pisces makes social dynamics and exchanges more hazy and perplexing, especially with Mercury approaching a semi-square with Neptune in Aries, which will become exact tomorrow morning.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
Adverb
  • Plus, Towns’s contract would soon be for fifty-three million dollars per year.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
  • Gas and oil prices are marginally down amid expectations Iran will respond to Trump’s framework soon.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 10 May 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
  • The 6-2, 222-pounder has elite separation speed and will be Malik Willis’ favorite target before long.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Larger out-of-town operators moved in, and before long crowds of tourists were coming to Kaktovik — a village of about 250 people — during the six-week viewing season.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

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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 May. 2026.

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