by-and-by 1 of 2

noun

ˌbī-ən-ˈbī How to pronounce by-and-by (audio)
Definition of by-and-bynext
as in future
time that is to come we shall meet again in the by-and-by

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

by and by

2 of 2

adverb

as in shortly
at or within a short time we'll get under way by and 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-and-by
Adverb
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 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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by-and-by
  1. future
  2. shortly
  3. tomorrow
  4. soon
  5. futurity
  6. before long
Noun
  • There were tens of thousands of dollars sent to him, the complaint alleges, for things like dental work, a pickup truck, a motorcycle and to fund a legitimate social media career and future together.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • As The Athletic has reported previously, there is uncertainty over his future at the east London club.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of future
Adverb
  • The trade was agreed to shortly before midnight on June 22 prior to being formalized on Monday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • The plan ended when, as explained below, a federal judge issued a key injunction, and the players ended the strike shortly before the start of the 1995 season.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of shortly
Noun
  • This decision matters because all cellphone-carrying people can end up in tomorrow’s geofence, like all those who were unknowingly grabbed in the Chatrie search.
    — Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
  • What does this new edition of the MPC say about the needs of producers of today and tomorrow?
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of tomorrow
Adverb
  • Authorities confirmed soon after her disappearance that DNA tests showed that blood found on Nancy Guthrie's front porch came from her.
    — Jana Winter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Paterson could be a temporary replacement and will soon be back to his Monday-night gig at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2026
Definition of soon
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
Definition of futurity
Adverb
  • But they’re surrounded by Nazis, and before long a sniper starts picking the men off.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 June 2026
  • But before long, adoption of this technology will spread beyond those with a medical need to the broader population.
    — Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
Definition of before long

Browse Nearby Words

by a long shot
by-and-by
by and by
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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