Synonyms of 'by'

by

Explore 'by' in the dictionary

1 (preposition) in the sense of through

Definition

used to indicate the person responsible for a creative work

The feast was served by smart waiters in black shirts.

Synonyms

through

via

with the help of

by virtue of

with the aid of

under the aegis of

through the agency of

2 (preposition) in the sense of via

Definition

via

The train passes by Oxford.

Synonyms

via

over

by way of

3 (preposition) in the sense of near

Definition

passing the position of

She was sitting in a rocking chair by the window.

Synonyms

near

past

along

close to

closest to

neighbouring

next to

beside

nearest to

adjoining

adjacent to

4 (preposition) in the sense of before

Definition

not later than

We all knew by then that the affair was practically over.

Synonyms

before

prior to

earlier than

in advance of

no later than

1 (adverb) in the sense of nearby

Definition

near

Large numbers of security police stood by.

Synonyms

nearby

He might easily have been seen by someone who lived nearby.

handy

at hand

within reach

See examples for synonyms

2 (adverb) in the sense of away

Definition

away

They did not put the money by for a rainy day.

Synonyms

away

I put my journal away and prepared for bed.

aside

She closed the book and laid it aside.

to one side

See examples for synonyms

idiom

See by and by

phrase

See by yourself

Additional synonyms

in the sense of aside

Definition

out of mind

She closed the book and laid it aside.

Synonyms

to one side,

away,

alone,

separately,

apart,

alongside,

beside,

out of the way,

on one side,

to the side,

in isolation,

in reserve,

out of mind

Video: pronunciation of
by

Browse alphabetically
by

buyer
buzz
buzz off
by
by a hair
by a long shot
by a nose
All ENGLISH synonyms that begin with 'B'

Related terms of
by

Source

Thesaurus for by from the Collins English Thesaurus

New from Collins

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Question: 1

Score: 0 / 5

chilli or chilly?

Drag the correct answer into the box.

chilli

chilly

Add the garlic, and prawns.

peer or pier?

Which version is correct?

They took a stroll along the peer. They took a stroll along the pier.

it's or its?

Which version is correct?

The dog lifted it's head, listening. The dog lifted its head, listening.

which or witch?

Which version is correct?

In the past she would have been tried as a which. In the past she would have been tried as a witch.

hall or haul?

Drag the correct answer into the box.

hall

haul

The lights were on in the .

Your score:

Sep 02, 2021

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a carnival

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Scrabble score
for 'by':
7

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Question: 1

Score: 0 / 5

faltering economy or industrial economies?

Which version is correct?

The programme has wide significance for other advanced faltering economy. The programme has wide significance for other advanced industrial economies.

draft proposal or takeover proposal?

Which version is correct?

The board is expected to meet today to consider a formal draft proposal. The board is expected to meet today to consider a formal takeover proposal.

negative view or ocean views?

Which version is correct?

There isn't a pool but the negative view are wonderful. There isn't a pool but the ocean views are wonderful.

fantastic atmosphere or poisonous atmosphere?

Which version is correct?

With more seats made available, it should be a fantastic atmosphere. With more seats made available, it should be a poisonous atmosphere.

face the danger or spell danger?

Which version is correct?

There are also good reasons to face the danger and go ahead. There are also good reasons to spell danger and go ahead.

Your score:

Updating our Usage

There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more. October 30, 2020 Read more

Synonyms of 'by'

by

idiom

phrase

Additional synonyms

Video: pronunciation of by

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Related terms of by

Source

Video: pronunciation of
by

Browse alphabetically
by

Related terms of
by