BY-AND-BY Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

by-and-by 1 of 2

noun

ˌbī-ən-ˈbī

Definition of by-and-by

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

as in shortly

at or within a short time we'll get under way by and by

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 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 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

But their presence in the North Carolina beverage market is facing an uncertain future as lawmakers consider tighter restrictions on hemp products.

— Evan Moore November 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2026
The ship’s transformation into an artificial reef will give it a new purpose after decades of uncertainty over its future.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of future

Adverb

Against the Chiefs, Nix said Waddle was asking for the ball shortly before scoring a touchdown near the goal line.

— Sam Jane, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as the Dutch economy faced severe strain, his economics teacher told the class that banks would never fail, only for a major bank to collapse shortly thereafter.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of shortly

Noun

The resort delayed its opening by a few days to allow for more snowmaking, and a few intermediate runs will be open beginning tomorrow.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
And on that first call Stevie did not know Songs in the Key of Life had saved my life across broken hearts and broken bones and broken tomorrows.

— Kevin Powell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of tomorrow

Adverb

The plant went offline soon after being captured by Russia early in the war, but needs power to keep essential cooling systems running.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
The city will soon be holding advisory meetings to develop the list of events and festivals that will occur in the next 12 months.

— John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of soon

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

Definition of futurity

Adverb

Neither of the two knew it yet, but the trip would pull Krukoff into a lifelong obsession with the plants and remedies of the Amazon, the world of economic botany, and, before long, the Flying Death.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026
Electric models aren’t that much more, and automation is going to be the standard before long.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of before long

Browse Nearby Words

by a long shot

by-and-by

by and by

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

Example Sentences

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