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

Relevance

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

This transition from outside to inside, from past to future, is a perfectly playful introduction to The Shinmonzen, which is skilled at balancing a lightness of touch with a seriously luxurious hotel experience.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
The first round of the playoffs are played on-campus, meaning a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, could be in the Broncos’ future.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of future

Noun

What happens tomorrow, or right now, that puts us on the path to a brighter future?

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Which means housing built yesterday may not meet tomorrow’s needs, as aging residents, declining birth rates and smaller households change what people need.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of tomorrow

Adverb

Harop-like kamikaze suicide drones capable of precision military strikes could soon become one of North Korea’s latest additions to its growing arsenal of advanced unmanned weapons, underscoring the apparent expansion of its strike capabilities.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
Louis Vuitton would need more than its own credentials, and soon the company began looking outward.

— Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 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

One Herr Steinbrüchel, of Zurich, was said to have been miraculously cured of his chest disease, and before long preparations of Gaisschottenkur were being used to combat everything from dysentery to gonorrhea.

— D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
But the time when those decisions go from future to current business, including with Moss, will start creeping up here before long.

— Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of before long

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 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

Example Sentences

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