by and large

adverb

Definition of by and largenext
as in mostly
for the most part by and large, that information is accurate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 large The Montblanc Collection is a fantastic ode to the label’s heritage, but a warming and wintry one by and large (leather, patchouli, oud, incense). — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 But the Knicks also proved that windows of contention, by and large, no longer exist in the NBA. — Tony Jones, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Electricity costs less, by and large, when it’s provided by public rather than private companies. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 21 June 2026 Attorneys have said those relationships are by and large unethical, but also rare. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for by and large
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by and large
  1. mostly
  2. mainly
  3. primarily
  4. chiefly
  5. largely
  6. predominantly
  7. basically
  8. principally
Adverb
  • Hughes’ fall on this list mostly stems from major growth from others above him and the lack of term left on his deal.
    — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • That case focused mostly on the details of the knife attack itself; the federal one delves more into questions of motive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of mostly
Adverb
  • Up until then, Silbiger had mainly documented the inner workings of Capitol Hill and the White House as a freelance photojournalist in Washington, DC.
    — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Earlier research works explored this phenomenon mainly in isolated laboratory systems or as a way to deliberately control quantum states.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026
Definition of mainly
Adverb
  • Called the Georgia Power 100, these players are chosen primarily on their high school production track record, though college potential is considered.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Rittenhouse’s research primarily deals with studying endangered and threatened bat species and impacts of land planning and management uses.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of primarily
Adverb
  • But Elliot’s best argument is ultimately himself—chiefly, his own vigorous libido, which his workaholic medical-student girlfriend, Minerva (a deader-than-deadpan Charli XCX), has long since lost interest in satiating.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
  • But this is surely the least fabled World Cup in history, and remembered chiefly for the political tensions shortly before the following year’s outbreak of the Second World War.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of chiefly
Adverb
  • As camera adoption has become more widespread in recent years, those concerns have largely faded away, according to Common Council President Sabrina Madison.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • What today's affordable new homes offer—and the tradeoffs Where buyers are most likely to find a deal on new construction depends largely on the local market.
    — Mike Winters, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Definition of largely
Adverb
  • Once known predominantly for projecting educational installations at museums and aquariums, IMAX spent decades trying to break into the mainstream, though its limited network of theatres and analog-only format proved prohibitive for major studios.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 22 July 2026
  • So have members of the predominantly Black church where her body was discovered May 8.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of predominantly
Adverb
  • Most of the other people that were on American Bandstand were all those Italian dudes with great voices singing songs for girls, basically.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • Insider tip Rideshares are basically nonexistent out here—renting a car is definitely the move.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Definition of basically
Adverb
  • Although some of these new institutions may adopt the name college, they won't be architected around classrooms and their business model won't be principally tuition-based.
    — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The war within the Republican Party was not principally an ideological war, though.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Definition of principally

Browse Nearby Words

by-and-bys
by and large
by-blow
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Cite this Entry

“By and large.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by%20and%20large. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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