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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for by-and-by
  1. future
  2. shortly
  3. tomorrow
  4. soon
  5. futurity
  6. before long
Noun
  • At the same time, changing meat consumption habits could affect its long-term future.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Which leaves park staff like Jones dealing with an uncertain future, worried about what's to come.
    — Conor Knighton, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of future
Adverb
  • Inglewood police ordered them to exit shortly before 10 p.m. on March 6, according to the complaint.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Casting of new roles is expected to begin shortly, with production eying a July start, sources said.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of shortly
Noun
  • Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!
    — Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The choice before us is stark: demonstrate resolve today or face far greater challenges tomorrow.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of tomorrow
Adverb
  • Morgan began co-writing with them, and soon got a call from Aldean himself.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Poilievre vows to cut taxes and get resource projects in the resource-rich country approved sooner.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of soon
Noun
  • As resulting initiatives like Spelman’s and HBCUs Outside become more commonplace, there can be a signal to a new generation of young Black people that the intersection of environmentalism and cultural resilience are imperatives of Black futurity.
    — Essence, Essence, 25 Nov. 2024
  • Centrally, by having a coltan miner as the protagonist, the film links futurity with materiality and labor.
    — Ruby Thélot, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024
Definition of futurity
Adverb
  • What began as a simple hobby quickly evolved into a more ambitious project, and before long, Zilveti was outlining the world with needle and thread.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • These include abusing antitrust to hobble or loot American high-tech companies and, before long, could also encompass deployment of the bloc’s climate policy for protectionist ends with measures such as Brussels’ Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
    — The Editors, National Review, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of before long

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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 25 Mar. 2025.

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