by-and-by 1 of 2

Definition of by-and-bynext
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

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 red oak leaves were staying put, by and by, of course. Bob Timmons, Star Tribune, 16 Oct. 2020 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 Those numbers are going to get better, by and by. Byron McCauley, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2020 But by and by he allows himself to be coaxed into the fold. Michael Friedrich, The New Republic, 24 May 2018 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
  • Uncertain future for border area UNIFIL was created nearly five decades ago to oversee Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon after its troops invaded in 1978.
    Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • There might be a time in the near future when newcomers under her influence make a name for themselves; hundreds of people have purchased her 2021 sample pack.
    James Gui, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Full casting will be announced shortly.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Several people reported hearing fireworks shortly before a grass fire broke out in the area.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The earnings report is tomorrow (Tuesday) before the open.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Sweden will face the winner of today's match between Team USA and Italy in tomorrow's gold medal match.
    Isabel Yip, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • But soon after their daughter was born, the Caucasian couple realized the baby was not of the same race.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Smith’s social media campaign soon went viral.
    Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
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
Adverb
  • But before long, Israel was launching thousands of air strikes not just into Gaza but also into Lebanon and Syria.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The first whistles delivered by Hector Flores were gone before long.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

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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 Feb. 2026.

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