by the by

phrase

variants or by the bye
Definition of by the bynext
as in by the way
by way of interjection or digression He mentioned by the by that he had never been to Paris.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for by the by
by the way
Phrase
  • Though right now he’s welded to Sam Mendes’ Beatles movies playing John Lennon (in a social-media-controversial wig, by the way).
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Kool-Aid, which is, by the way, flavor aid, but doesn't have the same ring to it.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
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.

Cite this Entry

“By the by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by%20the%20by. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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