Synonyms of by

by 1 of 2

preposition

ˈbī 

1

as in via

along the way of

went by the woods to get to the summer cottage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• via
• through
• across
• along
• under
• near
• by way of
• beyond
• over
• beneath
• below
• alongside
• outside
• throughout
• nearby
• underneath
• past

2

as in with

using the means or agency of

try to convince them by reason alone, if possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• with
• via
• through
• in
• per
• by means of
• by dint of
• in virtue of
• by virtue of

3

as in around

close to

that house is right by the ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

• around
• near
• at
• beside
• about
• next door to
• across
• along
• towards
• alongside
• next to
• nigh
• toward
• circa

4

as in during

in the course of

she attends college by day and works at the club by night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• during
• throughout
• through
• amidst
• amid
• over
• pending

by

2 of 2

adverb

ˈbī 

as in in

at, within, or to a short distance or time

the library is close by

Synonyms & Similar Words

• in
• close
• near
• nearby
• at hand
• within call
• around
• at close quarters
• nigh
• alongside
• along
• hard
• on one's doorstep
• hereabout
• hereaways
• hereabouts
• hereaway
• thereabout
• conveniently
• thereabouts
• handily
• accessibly

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of by

Preposition

Hungary has passed a constitutional amendment that allows the government to ban public events by LGBTQ+ communities. —Bluesky Social, 14 Apr. 2025

The McDonald’s Minecraft meal taps directly into drop culture—a strategy long embraced by sneaker brands and streetwear labels, now adapted for fast food. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Adverb

An employee at the medical center, Rachel, who requested to be identified by only her first name for fear of retaliation, juggled three signs and a purple cowbell at the rally, handing out extras to people who walked by. —Angela Palermo and, Idaho Statesman, 29 Mar. 2025

Grab a spot on the front porch and watch boats float by on the river. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2025