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
She’s mentored by Jae (Major Curda), a member of Ellora’s municipal Bending Brigade, and his captain Karthik (Akshay Khanna), who has a more optimistic view of the Avatar’s potential than those that blame her for ending the world. — Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Both also received high-gloss visual treatments, the former starring Nicole Kidman and the latter narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, aka Gandalf. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Offense has been hard to come by for Blashill’s team, so those early holes are steeper compared to others. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 But the numbers that could give clarity on disabled kids in foster care are harder to come by — partly because of the sometimes hazy definitions of disability but also because of the failure of child welfare providers to even count them. — Joseph Shapiro, NPR, 30 Sep. 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
  • Along with tip jars placed beside cash registers, customers are prompted to leave a 5% to 20% gratuity on their restaurant bills, but also on their fast-food takeout and coffees to-go when paying via card machines.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The ballot system, which was approved via a special election, allowed anyone who mounted a successful signature-gathering campaign to put a policy proposal before the state’s voters.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of via
Preposition
  • Formed in 2012, Polaris broke through with 2017’s The Mortal Coil and 2020’s The Death of Me, both of which debuted in the Australian Top 10 and earned ARIA nominations for best hard rock/heavy metal album.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of with
Preposition
  • There are currently around 1,000 new Pip claims submitted every day in the UK; about 34% are successful.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Riley was a direct inspiration on the record, and while the Bay Area composer did work with drones, his influence is more poignant here, in the way Schwendener breaks the melody down into pieces and moves them around.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of around
Preposition
  • Dozens of fake food distributors part of the Feeding Our Future fraud ring collectively stole more than $250 million in federal relief funds meant to feed children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Sube Shoten, a tofu maker founded in 1877 during Japan’s Meiji era, reportedly ceased operations in May and began preparing to file for bankruptcy as low profit margins and a recent surge in raw-material costs clouded its business outlook.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of during
Adverb
  • Ben Stiller, Jon Bon Jovi, and the model Irina Shayk all bought apartments in the glass-and-brick towers overlooking the West Side Highway, and Ryan Seacrest reportedly made his way in as a renter.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The right-wing parties have repeatedly called on the government to send in police to break up the camp-in in Puerta del Sol.
    — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of in
Preposition
  • This mantra helps guide all employees around a core objective, rather than directing staff through top-down initiatives.
    — Tamlin Magee, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • What to do nearby My walk to Compo Beach along the golf course’s winding paths and then through a picturesque neighborhood of shiplap homes took just under 30 minutes at a brisk pace.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of through
Preposition
  • Israeli soldiers fired tear gas at residents near the house and detained three people, Abdah said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The first artwork for the series shows a formidable-looking Close standing near London’s Royal Albert Hall, as the series was filmed in the English capital.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of near
Preposition
  • Miami’s defense had some timely stops throughout the game, yet the offense was unable to reciprocate.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • That costs additional money—both London teams this past week set up headquarters for fans, with current and former players participating in events throughout the lead-up to the game—and also provides some additional income.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 4 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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