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
Before Bret can continue to self-identify as Shakespeare’s most famous hero, he’s questioned by Detectives Donaldson and Fregosi, who wonder if Bret isn’t being honest about the nature of his relationship with Matt. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Gen 4 is also designed to add an Active Safety Mechanism intended to prevent thermal runaway by stabilizing electrode active materials at high temperatures. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Adverb
The separation in that room is difficult to come by, however. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 Today will be a hot seat to come by, with closing arguments and a potential verdict expected. — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 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
  • Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Images Two former Golden State Warriors employees have sued the NBA franchise, alleging gender, age and race-based discrimination, workplace harassment and retaliation tied to their terminations.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Fisher was told that her husband and other residents had been videotaped naked at the home, and the images were shared among a group of facility employees via Snapchat.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of via
Preposition
  • Witnesses had testified to the heated gang rivalry between the South Side Compton Crips and Mob Piru, which were associated with dueling record companies Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Over the following two and a half years, the data center will incrementally ramp its load up to a minimum bill demand of 480 megawatts with a maximum contract demand of 600 megawatts, the memo said.
    — Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of with
Preposition
  • Assertive Mars clashes with your ruler Saturn, highlighting tension around your home, family, or the amount of emotional labor each person carries.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On the left, Harvey Barnes is currently first-choice, while Newcastle agreed a deal potentially rising to around £50million for Bazoumana Toure in July.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of around
Preposition
  • Moments before, with Wells still at the plate and the Yankees leading 7-1, Flemming and color analyst Will Middlebrooks vented about Chisholm stealing second base and third base during the at-bat.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This past week, Los Angeles theme parks had more humidity than their Orlando counterparts, something CBSLA chief meteorologist Paul Deanno says he’s never encountered during his career.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of during
Adverb
  • Invest In Your Relationship Capital Invest in and intentionally cultivate your relationship capital at all points in your career.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Flamenco dancers from Rueda Flamenca lined the garden path while guests walked in, as a nod to Taylor’s mother who is Spanish.
    — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of in
Preposition
  • The first established the system in flight, while the latest evaluation added further data from multiple rounds launched through HIMARS.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • One bright spot for Lake Zurich was senior quarterback Joey Wessman, who found some success through the air.
    — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of through
Preposition
  • Oswego avoided sending the ball near the speedy Konkey on kickoffs to prevent a repeat of last week’s scoring on a return.
    — Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The mother and daughter are among 90 Americans missing after the devastating landslide and flood, which tore through steep mountain gorges near the Nepal-China border and surged downstream along a river, wiping out entire villages.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • There are water stations scattered throughout the grounds too.
    — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Not just muscles throughout their bodies, but tissues in their bones, liver, and brain.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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