by 1 of 2

preposition

ˈbī How to pronounce by (audio)
Definition of bynext
1
as in via
along the way of went by the woods to get to the summer cottage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in with
using the means or agency of try to convince them by reason alone, if possible

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in around
close to that house is right by the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in during
in the course of she attends college by day and works at the club by night

Synonyms & Similar Words

by

2 of 2

adverb

ˈbī How to pronounce by (audio)
as in in
at, within, or to a short distance or time the library is close by

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Preposition
The note demanded an initial $4 million in bitcoin within a few days' time, and then upped the ante by $2 million more in bitcoin if the first deadline was missed. — Anna Schecter, CBS News, 2 July 2026 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has lived at the home for more than four decades, according to the listing held by Keller Williams Everett's Jeannette Harpole. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Adverb
This looks like great news for George, who found first-team minutes hard to come by before joining Everton on loan at the end of the January transfer window. — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 29 June 2026 Well, Elmo wasn't going to stand idly by and watch his head on a pike get paraded through the streets of New York, and for the USMNT's game against Australia, the little red third-person-talking Muppet picked a side. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by
  1. via
  2. with
  3. around
  4. during
  5. in
  6. through
  7. near
  8. throughout
Preposition
  • In 1868, at the age of 29, John Muir arrived in San Francisco via steamship with definitive plans to wander and revel in the natural wonders of California—he’d heard of the Golden State’s geographic riches and wanted to see them for himself.
    — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department During the news conference, Bluthenthal's two children delivered a plea for justice via video, while his mother spoke directly to the crowd.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of via
Preposition
  • The rookie point guard went 7 of 19 from the field and 4 of 9 from 3-point range after struggling with his shot in his summer league debut.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • He is slated to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon arrival, then participate in a bilateral meeting with him after an arrival ceremony, followed by a NATO leaders’ dinner.
    — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of with
Preposition
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • There was a casual feel in Memorial Auditorium in the hour before game time, as children kicked a ball around on the auditorium’s sloping floor.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of around
Preposition
  • Morocco were able to expose the space with ease during the first half.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Definition of during
Adverb
  • Pancho Morris, who flew in from Ohio, had never been to a World Cup match before.
    — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Arda Güler helped Turkey get on the board with a goal 10 minutes in.
    — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of in
Preposition
  • The population of bears statewide is estimated to be about 19,000 and is managed through regulated hunting to reduce the risk of more frequent human-bear conflicts.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Soot and particulates will likely linger through Sunday afternoon before being dispersed by the wind.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of through
Preposition
  • Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Run a fan near seating and dining areas to keep flying pests off ‌food and guests.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • New reads abound for your vacation tote throughout the weeks of July, with fiction picks featuring a Carnival cruise casualty, a highly entertaining jewel heist at the Waldorf-Astoria, and a Soviet-era madcap adventure.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The sumptuous design extends throughout the property, from the dining room, adorned with Murano glass chandeliers and wall sconces, to the moody bar and lounge with its fine wood paneling and custom ironwork.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Definition of throughout

Browse Nearby Words

buzz (off)
by
by all means
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“By.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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