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
  • Sandwiched between two hegemonic powers and facing an uncertain future, an emerging generation of artists, writers, and designers began exploring new areas of subjectivity.
    Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • In an even more outlandish science-fiction-style plan, the authors write that The Line’s developers envisioned a future in which robots would become intelligent, rights-bearing citizens of the city.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 1 May 2026
Adverb
  • The Capitals scored shortly after that hit and went on to win Game 4 to claim a 3-1 series lead.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The woman was found dead in a pond not far from the home shortly after the sun came up, state police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Florida Legislature is set to begin a special session tomorrow to discuss and vote on the maps.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Though the start of the pandemic soon after halted her momentum, DeVaux kept at it, eventually taking the Breeder’s Cup in 2024.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 3 May 2026
  • In the immediate aftermath of last week’s shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, there was widespread skepticism about rescheduling it anytime soon.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 May 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
  • Larger out-of-town operators moved in, and before long crowds of tourists were coming to Kaktovik — a village of about 250 people — during the six-week viewing season.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • If this becomes second nature, opening apps could start to feel old-fashioned before long.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 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 4 May. 2026.

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