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

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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

Agents, coaches and teams all wanted to represent him, to sign him, to have some say in his future.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Played completely deadpan by Konopka, the character beneath this daft assemblage of aesthetic choices makes no real sense as a functionary in this dry, dark future, much less as its hero.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of future

Noun

That includes a whopping 50% levy aimed at Canada, which if negotiations fail, will go into effect tomorrow, August 19th.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Though the rally centered on tomorrow’s primary elections, Donalds was already campaigning for the November election.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of tomorrow

Adverb

His home could soon sit right next to one of the 200-foot-high-voltage transmission towers.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
But the upward trajectory will surely end soon, and as teams become more familiar with the various routines, the specialist coaches must start to earn their money in the defensive penalty area.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 18 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

The average price of a new car could, before long, jump to $60,000 and beyond.

— Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026
However, the bats that the Padres drafted last month have already begun to make their professional debuts in full-season ball and second-round shortstop Elliot Lascelles could join the Storm before long.

— Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

Example Sentences

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