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
  • Jalen Coker will be a Carolina Panther for the foreseeable future.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
  • Oil prices dropped, however, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures last trading down 3%.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 12 June 2026
Adverb
  • The national team arrived shortly after midnight Sunday night/Monday morning to a warm welcome by fans of the squad.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
  • General manager Ken Holland fired Hiller shortly after the Olympic break in the coach’s second full season in charge, and the Kings went 11-6-6 after Smith stepped up from his assistant’s role.
    Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • In an article coming tomorrow, Clint Smith explores the betrayal of Black military officers, calling out the forces of reaction for misunderstanding the nature of patriotism.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026
  • Ultimately, though, any news division in the country, any large news division, and for that matter, any local news outlet, has to evolve with the times, has to remain relevant and figure out ways to reach tomorrow's viewer as well as today's viewer.
    Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Adverb
  • The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026
  • The only time Team USA managed to put the ball in the net sooner was in 2002 against Portugal (29th minute) and in a 1930 meeting with Paraguay (15th minute).
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 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
  • While his tenure with Philadelphia proved brief, his extensive major-league experience and history as a former top prospect could create another opportunity elsewhere before long.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • Brunson got fouled, the Knicks had the lead back and before long Spurs fans were filing out of the arena — possibly for the final time this season.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 June 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 14 Jun. 2026.

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