BY-AND-BY Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

by-and-by 1 of 2

noun

ˌbī-ən-ˈbī

Definition of by-and-by

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

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

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 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 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

Graduating seniors are often asked to envision their futures.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Nelson believes trials like this one are just the beginning of the future of regenerative medicine — and of a future where doctors will be able to repair brain damage.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 10 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

Adverb

Diaz, 52, suffered burns to her arm and stomach while trying to incinerate the car and was soon charged with Lopez’s murder, according to a court transcript and a criminal complaint.

— James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Serving quick-cooking shrimp means that your family can enjoy dinner even sooner.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 8 July 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

When the next study goes viral The next promising study about cancer or another disease is almost certain to appear on your social media feed before long.

— Dannell D. Boatman, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
China’s other labs, including DeepSeek and Moonshot AI, will almost certainly release similarly capable and inexpensive AI agents before long.

— Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Definition of before long

Browse Nearby Words

by a long shot

by-and-by

by and by

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Style

“By-and-by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/by-and-by. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of by-and-by

noun

adverb

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