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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
  • America is at a critical crossroads for the type of future in store beyond issues of affordability, groceries and gas prices due to global conflicts.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • An urgent competition for the Moon The flashpoint of the near future is the Moon, where both NASA and China are in a contest to not just land humans but also establish a long-term settlement.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of future
Adverb
  • The alert was lifted shortly afterward, although authorities urged residents to avoid gathering in crowds.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Miami scored a touchdown shortly afterward to push its lead to 21-7.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of shortly
Noun
  • But the historic supply chain struggles that America’s business owners face show why resurgent inflation will not be easily resolved – even if the war miraculously ended tomorrow.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
  • However tomorrow’s return means a great deal both to London Fashion Week—which is perennially dedicated to cheerleading the British capital as a key crucible of creativity—as well as to McQueen and McGirr.
    — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Adverb
  • Their aim was to get bills out the door sooner and for the county to pay back districts that took a financial hit because of prior billing delays.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • My colleague Howard Blume recently wrote about district officials pressing ahead with a multibillion-dollar modernization and rebuilding plan, raising questions about investing in campuses that soon may be shuttered.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 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
  • Benton suggested that there’s a chance AI systems could come to exist as a sort of separate species before long.
    — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The visits became more frequent, and before long, they were romantically and creatively conjoined.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 9 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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