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

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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

While Stenberg signed an entry-level contract with the Sharks this month and is expected to be on the team’s roster this fall, and Lin headed to the University of Denver, and there were some questions about Verhoeff’s immediate future.

— Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
The Goodwood Festival of Speed's Future Lab offered a compelling look into robotics' future, showcasing how diverse robots could collaborate.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of future

Adverb

Eclipse chasers are targeting Greenland’s Scoresby Sund, Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and flat horizons in Spain, where the eclipse will take place shortly before sunset.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Jordan denied Aqaba had been threatened, but Iranian missiles struck its airport shortly afterward.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 July 2026

Definition of shortly

Noun

But before Boeing and Airbus compete over tomorrow's narrow-body aircraft, both still have to deliver on today's orders.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 21 July 2026
Overlapping time zones, a phone that buzzes through dinner, investors who expect answers before the market opens tomorrow, and social-media pressure all threaten reputations.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of tomorrow

Adverb

Munster, who has extensively researched Ebola, was locked out of his lab soon after the January detention.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
The organization has also installed four emergency clinic modules for local healthcare facilities, with a fifth expected to open soon.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 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

Although his latest major league opportunity lasted just one game, his track record suggests another call-up could arrive before long if injuries create another opening behind the plate.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
When the next study goes viral The next promising study about cancer or another disease is almost certain to appear on your social media feed before long.

— Dannell D. Boatman, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Definition of before long

Browse Nearby Words

by a long shot

by-and-by

by and by

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Style

“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

Example Sentences

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