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

No God But Us is very much a book about Afghan refugees who are trying to forge a future amidst great displacement.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
With his future finally settled after months of uncertainty, hopefully Bergvall can kick on and show people why Spurs had to fight off interest from Barcelona to sign him in 2024.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of future

Adverb

Yan finally reached the Major Leagues last month, shortly before his 30th birthday, after years of incredible effort.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
He was taken to the medical center as a precaution and Ferrari confirmed shortly before the race resumed that he had been released and was OK.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of shortly

Noun

There is a slim 10-20% chance of an isolated shower or rumble east of I-35 today, and that chance shifts to west of I-35 tomorrow.

— Michael Autovino, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Use the boost to clear your desk, improve a checklist, or prepare something that will make tomorrow easier.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 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

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 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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