as in visiting
to make a brief visit
I'll either drop by on the way there or on the way back
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dropping by
The builders’ alternating harassment and bribery leaves Cook with little recourse, especially when mafioso-like representatives begin dropping by at all hours, leading to dry exchanges — what little dialogue the film has is extremely funny.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
Killings have fallen in recent years, dropping by 28% statewide last year.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
The grim news out of Tucson is that, thirteen days into the search for Nancy Guthrie, the odds of finding her alive have been dropping by the hour.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
While overall cancer deaths have been on the decline for this age group since 1990, dropping by about 44% combined, CRC is the only major cancer that has seen a spike in mortality for those under 50 during that time period, the researchers noted.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
But these folks keep dropping by and consuming precious time.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The Standard versions are indeed cheaper than yesterday’s Premium trims, with the Model Y dropping by $5,000 and the Model 3 by $5,500.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
No Breaks also will feature guests dropping by to share their real-life stories, and audiences will be able to chime in in the chat to steer the conversation.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
Health inspectors observed rodents dropping by the dry storage area where bulk packages of flour were stored.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
Killings have fallen in recent years, dropping by 28% statewide last year.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
The grim news out of Tucson is that, thirteen days into the search for Nancy Guthrie, the odds of finding her alive have been dropping by the hour.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
While overall cancer deaths have been on the decline for this age group since 1990, dropping by about 44% combined, CRC is the only major cancer that has seen a spike in mortality for those under 50 during that time period, the researchers noted.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
But these folks keep dropping by and consuming precious time.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The Standard versions are indeed cheaper than yesterday’s Premium trims, with the Model Y dropping by $5,000 and the Model 3 by $5,500.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
No Breaks also will feature guests dropping by to share their real-life stories, and audiences will be able to chime in in the chat to steer the conversation.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
Health inspectors observed rodents dropping by the dry storage area where bulk packages of flour were stored.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dropping by
Verb
-
Start by visiting Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, founded by Portuguese colonizers in 1482.—
Melanie van Zyl,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Mar. 2026
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And following every swish, the Rockets crowd broke from tradition and applauded the visiting guard.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Prominent Georgia political figures like former representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senators Ossoff and Warnock have denounced the attacks, while candidates to replace MTG and others running in midterm elections have backed the president.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Traynere is running in the Democratic primary March 17 with running mate Barbara Ann Parker.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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McDermott, 55, with more than 30 years’ experience, had worked with Pettit in the Crown Point Community School Corporation before coming over to Duneland to become his top assistant in 2019.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Joveljić had 18 goals in 32 appearances last season after coming over from the 2024 MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even just dropping in to hold the baby so her daughter can take a one-hour nap goes a long way.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
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When playing within their own half, United adjust into a 5-4-1 with the No 10s dropping in to better protect central midfield.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That’s wins in 10 straight road outings for the Hornets, who also own the NBA’s longest current longest overall win streak at six games — with all the triumphs coming by at least 16 points.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
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There are some differences in the goals Stamkos has scored, with many coming by going to the net.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Clearly, American is happy that the FAA is stepping in to intervene.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
-
April was stepping in for CJ Robbins, who was promoted to Minnesota’s defensive line coach.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dropping by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dropping%20by. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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