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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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
  • Such special treatment has set off a fierce debate about the purpose and future of America’s refugee program.
    Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Its mission was to discuss Ireland's future at home and abroad.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • In another incident, the documents said Eric Richins broke out in hives and experienced difficulty breathing after eating a sandwich that his wife had made for him on Valentine's Day 2022, shortly before his death.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The optimists insist nothing has changed and business as usual will resume shortly.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Temperatures tomorrow will be slow to rise, and areas along and west of the Blue Ridge will not rise above freezing, keeping some roads slippery.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The annual march winds three miles through the city’s picturesque historic district, drawing tens of thousands of revelers and blending the best parts of a family reunion and a football tailgate — a scene that unfolds again tomorrow.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Kimmel eventually returned to the air six days later, and both Nexstar and Sinclair also soon after restored the show to their stations.
    Kristin Brown, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Denver equalized in the 20th minute, but Sonis was soon sent off and Bay FC took control.
    Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 15 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 disparate group becomes like a family.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
  • News then started to come through of retaliatory attacks, and before long Heliövaara could hear explosions and fighter jets above.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster