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
  • While her future could take many paths, Zara already has one dream in mind.
    Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The Marlins under this owner have no reasonable way out of this rut of building on the cheap toward a future that never gets here.
    Greg Cote Updated March 27, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Writer Hugo Vickers writes in the upcoming biography Queen Elizabeth II that Philip underwent heart surgery on March 1, 2021, shortly before his death and almost did not make it.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • That’s how, last night, the best golfer most of us have ever seen slinked out of a Florida jail shortly before midnight and headed off into an uncertain future.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Starting tomorrow, Southern California residents who won the locals-only pre-sale tickets lottery for the upcoming LA28 games will start receiving emails to purchase their seats at the Olympics.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Get him here, Netanyahu's kid down in Miami—get him out tomorrow.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Warmer weather will return to New York City and the surrounding area soon.
    Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • See our meteor shower calendar There are a number of significant meteor shower events that are expected to peak soon, offering great opportunities to see more meteors (shooting stars).
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 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, the conversation moved in a different direction as Kent nodded to conspiracy theories that pro-Israel forces were behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But before long, the disparate group becomes like a family.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2026.

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