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 Those numbers are going to get better, by and by. Byron McCauley, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2020 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 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
  • Regardless of what the future holds, Roman Anthony has set himself and his family up for life, and the Red Sox have locked in yet another piece of their future at a reasonable rate.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • At that moment, I was fully immersed—no past or future, just deep presence.
    Sarah Groen, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Life-threatening flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in creeks and streams, normally dry washes, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
    Staff reports, AZCentral.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Residents at the Slate Apartment complex in Bellevue evacuated a 12-unit block shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday due to what Nashville Fire Department’s Aaron Haddix, the commander on scene, said was called in as an appliance fire.
    Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Just 45% picked the right answer: Current workers pay taxes that fund benefits for today’s retirees, while tomorrow’s workers will fund benefits for tomorrow’s retirees.
    Cory Smith, Baltimore Sun, 15 Aug. 2025
  • As the president said, his hope is to interact with Mr. Putin tomorrow and sort of get a sense very quickly and early whether a peace is possible or not.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • According to reports from China, CATL failed to extend a mining permit which expired last week, sparking speculation that a massive surplus of lithium overhanging the market could soon start to fall with a future shortage and higher prices possible.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Seminole County will soon add five cents to the price of every gallon of gas sold in the county, a move made to help fill a multi-million dollar hole in the county’s budget and to pay for the increasing costs of mass transportation.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Centrally, by having a coltan miner as the protagonist, the film links futurity with materiality and labor.
    Ruby Thélot, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024
  • As resulting initiatives like Spelman’s and HBCUs Outside become more commonplace, there can be a signal to a new generation of young Black people that the intersection of environmentalism and cultural resilience are imperatives of Black futurity.
    Essence, Essence, 25 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • Life on the moon may be within reach before long, thanks to new technology that can extract water from lunar soil and produce vital ingredients for fuel.
    Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2025
  • But before long, Burton had received an influx of similar notes about C-sections, which inspired the podcast’s newest season, The Retrievals, Season 2: The C-sections, released July 10.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 July 2025

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“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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