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

This is the first time Xi has attended the flagship event since its launch in 2018, a clear signal of the importance Beijing attaches to AI and the mounting competition with the US to lead its future.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Heather Leo’s future also arrived unexpectedly during the final days of the Games.

— Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of future

Adverb

The blaze, which broke out shortly before midnight Sunday, apparently spread rapidly across a ceiling lined with flammable decorative materials before reaching the main entrance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Getty Images/iStockphoto When someone dies, financial questions tend to surface shortly thereafter, even if the grieving process has just started.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of shortly

Noun

The question, as England prepare to fly to Atlanta today (Tuesday) for tomorrow’s semi-final against Argentina, is how much this actually matters?

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026
All eyes will now turn to Atlanta tomorrow as defending champion Argentina takes on England.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of tomorrow

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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

Example Sentences

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