thereby

adverb

there·​by t͟her-ˈbī How to pronounce thereby (audio)
ˈt͟her-ˌbī
1
: by that : by that means
thereby lost her chance to win
2
: connected with or with reference to that
thereby hangs a taleWilliam Shakespeare

Examples of thereby in a Sentence

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.
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.
Imagine wanting to see a play—ostensibly, in part, for the liveness of a play—but mistrusting your judgment enough to read a review first, thereby lessening your opportunity for surprise. Lauren Rothery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Apitegromab blocks myostatin, a natural protein that normally limits muscle growth, thereby increasing muscle mass and strength. Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Rather, the authors suggest that intoxication lowers language anxiety, thereby increasing one's foreign language proficiency, although further research would be needed to support that hypothesis. ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025 Some research suggests that acupuncture increases microcirculation (blood circulation in the smallest blood vessels) and thereby reduces inflammation in the body. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thereby

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thereby was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Thereby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thereby. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

thereby

adverb
there·​by t͟ha(ə)r-ˈbī How to pronounce thereby (audio)
t͟he(ə)r-;
ˈt͟ha(ə)r-ˌbī,
ˈt͟he(ə)r-
1
: by that : by that means
thereby lost her chance to win
2
: connected with or with reference to that
thereby hangs a tale

More from Merriam-Webster on thereby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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