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
  • Even if software finds a way to recover its multiple and continue its upward trajectory, analysts are increasingly seeing a future of growing GDP and productivity without nearly as much human labor involved.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Inside the private room of a Country Club Plaza steakhouse, top officials from the England national team contemplated their World Cup future.
    Sam McDowell Updated February 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Full casting will be announced shortly.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Several people reported hearing fireworks shortly before a grass fire broke out in the area.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The earnings report is tomorrow (Tuesday) before the open.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Sweden will face the winner of today's match between Team USA and Italy in tomorrow's gold medal match.
    Isabel Yip, NBC news, 9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • The ailing astronaut and the three others returned to Earth more than a month sooner than planned.
    Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • An account of the events from the Department of Homeland Security soon after the incident conflicted with the narratives from the two men and their family members.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 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
  • But before long, Israel was launching thousands of air strikes not just into Gaza but also into Lebanon and Syria.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The first whistles delivered by Hector Flores were gone before long.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 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 17 Feb. 2026.

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