by the way

phrase

Synonyms of by the waynext
: by way of interjection or digression : incidentally

Examples of by the way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Inspired by the way fire ants form floating rafts during floods, the system allows each robot to make local decisions rather than relying on constant instructions from a central computer. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 This isn’t simply about balancing AID’s $68 million budget, by the way. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 Women who are over 50, women who are swing voters, women who will, by the way, determine the election outcome in Maine. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 The nickname isn’t just one shared behind closed doors, by the way. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for by the way

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by the way was circa 1520

Rhymes for by the way

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Browse Nearby Words

by the time
by the way
by the wayside
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Cite this Entry

“By the way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20way. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of by the way for Spanish Speakers

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