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
  • Buying shares can mean management is more confident in a company’s future.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Against that backdrop, pupils' complaints that education funding shortfalls are endangering their futures have found a sympathetic audience.
    — NICOLAS GARRIGA, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of future
Adverb
  • This came shortly before South Carolina (3-3, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) determined 38-19 was a suitable-enough beating.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Houthi attacks on Thursday and earlier in the week had already prompted a number of carriers to suspend or cancel services to the Saudi capital, shortly before Riyadh is due to host major energy and investment conferences.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of shortly
Noun
  • Simon is expected to make landfall early tomorrow, bringing heavy rain, destructive waves and potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides, according to the National Hurricane Center.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Shop today, and deal with your bank account’s arguments tomorrow.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Adverb
  • First-time buyers made up just 21% of home purchases in the National Association of Realtors’ latest annual survey, a record low, and Zillow’s CEO doesn’t expect that to change soon.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But the city soon turns her plans upside down as Julia becomes drawn into a new job, a new life and two unexpected romances.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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