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
  • Giuliani isn't the only politician to publicly speculate about his spiritual future.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Rivian has delayed the arrival of the $45,000 version of its upcoming electric SUV, R2, which company officials say will be crucial to its long-term future as a viable automaker.
    Keith Laing, USA Today, 16 May 2026
Adverb
  • In a press conference shortly after, Chief Scott Wahl of the San Diego police confirmed the number of casualties at five, which included two suspects as well as three people inside the center.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 18 May 2026
  • Amid her rise to fame, Cooper struck up her connection with Kaplan in 2020 on a business Zoom call and began dating shortly after, according to W magazine.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Leading up to the November midterms, polling can say one thing today and another tomorrow.
    Will Johnson, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Postpone this temptation until tomorrow.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 18 May 2026
Adverb
  • The second followed soon after.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Design software companies have been hit hard by the AI scare trade, as investors worry that AI will soon be able to handle creative tasks in minutes.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 16 May 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
  • His reputation as a top prospect quickly spread among scouts, and before long, he was invited to undergo medical evaluations at the headquarters of Canine Companions, the country’s first modern service dog provider.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 12 May 2026
  • But before long, troubling behavior began to surface.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 10 May 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 19 May. 2026.

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