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
Their top ask is to make the EU a genuinely single market, named by 45% of founders and almost six in ten investors as the key priority for European policymakers. — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 The ticket purchase limit for that concert was between four and eight, prosecutors said, and REPS allegedly made approximately $833,323 in profit by reselling those tickets. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
Adverb
For decades the 143-minute American cut went mostly unseen in the rest of the world, and the 119-minute international version was similarly hard to come by in the States. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 Something has to happen by or before that event date or deadline, or else there will be consequences for the main characters and/or others. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 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
  • Another feature called Live Rewind can recap 15 seconds of a conversation via a text transcription.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Annie Palmer, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Spanish scientists have developed an experimental type of self-disinfecting cotton fabric, which is activated via ordinary white light.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of via
Preposition
  • However, Eisenkot has ruled out a coalition with the Arab parties, only one of which (the conservative-Islamist Ra’am) has ever agreed to join an Israeli government (briefly in 2021).
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In a statement posted to Facebook, the Wichita Police Department asked anyone with video of the incident to upload it so investigators could take a look.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of with
Preposition
  • Vocals strain at the center of the songs while lonesome organs burn around the margins like the argon glow of a street-sign montage.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Many metro stations were closed Saturday at police request, including those around the Champs-Elysées and near the presidential palace, Parliament and government offices.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of around
Preposition
  • While traveling with then-President Ronald Reagan in 1981, White House press secretary James Brady was shot during an assassination attempt on the president.
    — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Several lawmakers tried to crack down on immigration during the 2026 legislative session, but all but one bill failed to cross the finish line.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of during
Adverb
  • David plays himself in the scene, trying and failing to get a table at a fancy restaurant, only to watch Hannah walk in and get seated immediately.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In the best-case scenario, those flaws can be worked through and improved upon as the Leafs settle in and get used to new systems and new teammates.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of in
Preposition
  • Antetokounmpo then played into the second half for the first time this preseason, creating more highlights with a no-look alley-oop pass to center Nick Richards midway through the third quarter.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
  • As per estimates provided by Indian market intelligence firm Prime Database, Jio was expected to raise around 377 billion rupees through its IPO.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of through
Preposition
  • The suspect is said to have organized and carried out the detonation of at least four bombs between around 31 to 62 pounds at a depth of 230 feet to 263 feet near the Danish island of Bornholm.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Strongest winds will be near the foothills of the Santa Ana mountains.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • Cups and bowls used as utensils to dispense food throughout kitchen.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Crown molding, used throughout much of the home, adds an additional elegant touch.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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