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
  • With Packers first-year team president Ed Policy likely approaching a decision on LaFleur’s future this offseason before the final year of his contract, LaFleur did himself no favors ahead of those conversations.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Which is just one of many ways for those of us without a red carpet event in our immediate futures to embrace the new silver trend.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Byrne and Cannavale first met in 2012 and sparked dating rumors shortly thereafter.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Carneiro crushed a 58-yarder shortly before half to cut the Hurricanes’ lead to 17-13.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The concept of the New Wave Fashion Awards was introduced last fall in a bid to turbocharge local creativity, nurture creative talent, and identify homegrown creative directors of tomorrow.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • The Senate rejected a three-year extension last month, but serious bipartisan talks are underway in hopes of finding a compromise soon, reportedly early next week.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • According to a Mercury News report from the time, the neighbor called for help, and was soon joined by another resident who described the apartment as having been ransacked.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 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
  • Maybe there will be more firings and openings before long.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The cake was garnering favorable reviews, and before long writers were clamoring for the recipe.
    Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 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 14 Jan. 2026.

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