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

But now there’s money on the line, and Adam can imagine a future for himself across the country and a chance to start again — something Charles, tethered so much to this land, simply can’t do.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Questions themselves can determine which possible futures become visible, comparable, and actionable.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of future

Adverb

The La Verne blaze began shortly before noon Tuesday inside one of four 250-kilowatt-battery containers at the Metropolitan Water District’s facility on Wheeler Avenue, according to the La Verne Fire Department.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Chris Lindstrom didn’t have any lines rehearsed or even a direction planned for his pregame speech when the Falcons surrounded him shortly before kickoff Thursday night at Lambeau Field.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of shortly

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 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

Example Sentences

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