by-and-by 1 of 2

noun

ˌbī-ən-ˈbī How to pronounce by-and-by (audio)
Definition of by-and-bynext
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
  1. future
  2. shortly
  3. tomorrow
  4. soon
  5. futurity
  6. before long
Noun
  • The price of benchmark natural gas futures traded near their highest levels since the start of the Iran war this week, and almost twice as high as the same time last year.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Play-In Tournament is not eagerly being chased, and the league’s broadcasting partners will look elsewhere in the near future.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of future
Adverb
  • Scharf's onboarding comes shortly before the midterm elections, and the possibility that Democrats win back one or both chambers of Congress.
    — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Totality in Portugal and Spain will happen shortly before sunset.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortly
Noun
  • These surreal celestial events happen every year or so around the globe – including tomorrow.
    — Regina G. Barber, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026
  • If friends tug you into big plans, leave room for edits and ask for feedback tomorrow, since a pause protects your clever mood.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Adverb
  • The annual Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic will kick off sooner than usual to accommodate booking conflicts with Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and officers may soon be equipped with gloves that deliver electrical shocks, which the manufacturer says are intended to de-escalate encounters with individuals.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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