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 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
  • Not in the response from the armed Palestinian group were other provisions detailing Gaza's future, including some Hamas has long rejected.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • While many Venezuelans have been released from ICE custody in the past week, their future unclear after the Supreme Court ruling.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The original Peaky Blinders series culminated with season six in 2022, shortly before Murphy went on to star in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, nabbing an Academy Award.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Stephen's stepmother lived in the home until shortly before the hurricane.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • He was seemingly not caught up in what could happen tomorrow.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • And keep an eye on our site tomorrow for news about Fogo de Chao.
    Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Democrats are dug in on extending Obamacare subsidies expiring soon, citing Americans' rising health care costs.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • With no agreement in place, the government will soon begin the arduous process of winding down operations, sending furlough notices, and notifying contractors.
    Nik Popli, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Scott’s work as a designer and consultant has positioned her as an expert and resource on Caribbean artisanal craft, vast technical knowledge, and the futurity of contemporary dress.
    Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Centrally, by having a coltan miner as the protagonist, the film links futurity with materiality and labor.
    Ruby Thélot, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024
Adverb
  • Ophelia is driven to madness after the murder of her father and flaky romantic advances from Hamlet, and before long, takes her own life.
    Jaeden Pinder, Pitchfork, 3 Oct. 2025
  • And before long, reminiscent of other big games under Franklin in which his offense did not do enough to support a ferocious defense.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

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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 6 Oct. 2025.

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