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
  • Stretching your perspective builds a reliable path to an enlightened future.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • An unpredictable future Much depends on how long the war with Iran lasts.
    David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Police separated the two groups, but tensions began to escalate shortly before noon.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
  • In a cap-saving move, the Pats released veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai shortly before the start of free agency Monday.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Think of the weatherman telling you there's 100 percent chance of rain tomorrow.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
  • New resources coming in and healing old issues are both possible, but wait until tomorrow or after to pour out your heart.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 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, all those small pieces create more visual clutter.
    Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
  • But before long, Israel was launching thousands of air strikes not just into Gaza but also into Lebanon and Syria.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 2026.

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